Neutron

Reliable and cost-effective launch services for constellation deployment, cargo resupply, interplanetary missions. Neutron’s carbon composite second stage completes a barrage of structural tests in preparation for flight. Testing of all avionics and communications devices with critical onboard software and GNC algorithms. Archimedes to breathe fire at Rocket Lab’s Stennis Test Complex within NASA Stennis Space Center. Full-scale carbon composite Stage 1 tank being built using advanced manufacturing methods. Full-scale carbon composite Stage 2 tank being built using advanced manufacturing methods. The world's largest AFP machine of its kind is commissioned ahead of its first full scale prints of Neutron structures. Qualification of Stage 2's structure and systems complete. Stage 2 now ready for flight. Testing of critical flight mechanisms including separation systems, fairing actuation, control surfaces and actuators. Qualification of Stage 1's structure and systems complete. Stage 1 now ready for flight. Hot fire exercising the Archimedes engine and all second stage systems. Testing like we would fly. Hot fire exercising the cluster of 9 x Archimedes engine and all first stage systems. Testing like we would fly. Rocket Lab Partners With U.S. Air Force for Neutron Launch for Re-Entry Mission Read more Rocket Lab’s Neutron Rocket On-Ramped to U.S. Space Force’s $5.6b National Security Space Launch (NSSL) program Read more Rocket Lab Wins $24m U.S. Space Force Contract to Develop Neutron Upper Stage Read more Neutron's Archimedes rocket engine on the test stand at the Archimedes Test Complex at NASA’s historic Stennis Space Center in Mississippi. Neutron's Archimedes rocket engine on the test stand at the Archimedes Test Complex at NASA’s historic Stennis Space Center in Mississippi. The Archimedes Test Complex is the location for testing of Neutron's reusable Archimedes engine, located at NASA’s Stennis Space Center in Mississippi. Rocket Lab's Engine Development Complex is located in Long Beach, California. The 144,000+ square foot site supports the development and production of the Archimedes engine for Neutron, as well as the high-rate production of Rocket Lab's Rutherford engine for its Electron launch vehicle. Rocket Lab Launch Complex 3 is the dedicated launch site for Neutron. It’s located at the Mid-Atlantic Regional Spaceport within NASA’s Wallops Flight Facility on Virginia’s Eastern Shore. Neutron’s pad is adjacent to the existing Rocket Lab Launch Complex 2, the U.S. launch site for Electron. As a reusable rocket, Neutron’s first stage can support return to launch site and downrange landing options, before return to Launch Complex 3 for refurbishment and reflight. Located within the Mid-Atlantic Regional Spaceport on Virginia’s Eastern Shore, the Assembly & Integration Complex for the Neutron rocket is where Neutron will take shape before making its way to the launch site on Wallops Island, Virginia. Neutron first stages that return to Earth after launch will also be transported to and housed within the Assembly and Integration Complex to be readied for continued flight operations. Rocket Lab's Space Structures Complex in Middle River, Maryland, supports the automated production of all large composite structures of the Neutron launch vehicle including the panels that make up the 91 ft (28 meter) length interstage and fairing, 22.9 ft (7 meter) diameter first stage, and the 16.4 ft (5 meter) diameter second stage tank. The site is home to the world's largest AFP machine of its kind, a 90-tonne autonomous machine expected to save around 150,000 manufacturing hours in the Neutron rocket's production process.