Rocket Lab unveils GHOST deployable launch system to enable responsive space missions worldwide

Rocket Lab Corporation has unveiled GHOST: a new globally-deployable containerized launch system to enable suborbital and orbital launches from anywhere in the world.

The GHOST (Global Hypersonic & Orbital Spaceport Technology) system transforms Rocket Lab’s Electron and HASTE rockets into a launch-anywhere, launch-anytime capability for multi-launch flight campaigns and critical national security missions. Packaged entirely within standard shipping containers, GHOST deploys complete rockets, launch infrastructure, ground support, and range control systems anywhere in the world.

GHOST’s first location – named Rocket Lab Launch Complex 4 – will be at the Pacific Spaceport Complex at Kodiak, Alaska, with two pads to be established for high-frequency launch campaigns. The two pads will complement Rocket Lab’s existing suborbital and orbital launch sites at Launch Complex 1 in New Zealand, and Launch Complex 2 and Launch Complex 3 in Virginia, bringing the total number of pads operated by Rocket Lab to six across two hemispheres. The system is set to make its operational debut with a suborbital launch from Alaska in 2027.

Because both Electron and HASTE use the same ground infrastructure, GHOST delivers a dual-launch capability across new locations, allowing Rocket Lab to expand the mission profiles of both vehicles and meet increasing international demand for orbital and suborbital sovereign launch capability. GHOST’s modular and small footprint is purpose-built to support responsive launch needs and time-critical national security missions, enabling rapid site activation and simultaneous launch possibilities.

Sir Peter Beck, founder and CEO of Rocket Lab, says: “We’ve been leading the field in small launch for missile defense and national security for years. Our reliability, repeatability, and affordability sets us apart from everybody else, and creating GHOST is about packaging that up into a deployable system that can serve the world’s most important programs from wherever those missions need. Whether it’s for missile defense and deterrence, or opening up more trajectories, orbital missions, and sovereign launch capabilities in allied nations, GHOST is the answer to launching anywhere, anytime, and without compromise.”