Rocket Lab announced in March 2021 the development of a new medium-lift, two-stage launch vehicle named Neutron, which will be human-rated and designed for reusability. Neutron is projected to stand 40 meters (130 feet) tall and feature a 4.5-meter (15-foot) diameter fairing. The rocket will be capable of carrying payloads of 12 to 14 metric tons (13 to 15 short tons).
Design and Construction
A key feature of Neutron is its reusable first stage, designed to land on a floating platform in the ocean, akin to the recovery methods used by SpaceX for its Falcon rockets. However, Rocket Lab’s CEO Peter Beck suggested that the rocket’s design may favor returning to a designated site rather than relying on offshore landing platforms.
The Launch Site
The Mid-Atlantic Regional Spaceport (MARS) in Virginia will serve as the primary launch site for Neutron. Rocket Lab plans to adapt the existing infrastructure at Launch Pad 0A for these missions. Additionally, a new manufacturing facility adjacent to MARS Launch Complex 2 is under construction for Neutron production. Groundbreaking for this facility occurred on April 11, 2022, and Neutron launches are scheduled to commence no earlier than mid-2025.
In preparation for these launches, Rocket Lab has made significant progress, including the assembly of the first Archimedes engine, which began testing at the Stennis Space Center in mid-2024, and initial work on Neutron’s fairings.
Technical Specifications
- Height: Approximately 40 meters (130 feet)
- Diameter: 4.5 meters (15 feet) at the fairing
- Payload Capacity:
- Low Earth Orbit (LEO): Up to 13-15 short tons (12-14 metric tons)
- Engines: Powered by multiple Archimedes engines, a new liquid oxygen (LOX) and methane-powered engine developed by Rocket Lab.
- Fuel: Methane and liquid oxygen (LOX) for cleaner and more efficient combustion, aiding reusability.
Current Status
As of December 12, 2024, Rocket Lab’s Neutron rocket development is progressing toward its anticipated first launch in mid-2025. The company achieved a significant milestone in August 2024 by successfully conducting the first hot fire test of the Archimedes engine, which will power Neutron.
