Neutron

Mega Constellation Launcher

13,000 Kilograms To LEO
1,500 Kilograms To Mars/Venus
Reusable Launch Again And Again

Your mission, your way

Reliable and cost-effective launch services for constellation deployment,
cargo resupply, interplanetary missions.

Overview

Height
43 m / 141 ft
Diameter
7m
Fairing Diameter
5m
Payload To LEO
13,000 kg
Lift Off Mass
480,000 kg
Propellant
LOX / Methane

Features

  • Designed for mega constellation deployment, deep space missions, and human spaceflight
  • Efficient reusability - return to launch site
  • Captive fairing design allows for fully reusable first stage
    and fairing
  • Lightweight specially formulated Rocket Lab carbon composite structure
neutron deploy front

Performance

Neutron will feature the new Archimedes Engine

 

First Stage
  • 9 Archimedes Engines
  • Lox/Methane Oxidizer Rich Closed Cycle
  • Total Lift-off Thrust: 1,485,000 lbf
Second Stage
  • Single Vacuum Archimedes Engine
  • Lox/Methane Oxidizer Rich Closed Cycle
  • Vacuum Thrust: 890 kN (200,000 lbf)
neutron blue flame

Path to Lift-Off

2023
2024
2025
Stage 2 Build Begins
First full-scale carbon composite tank built using advanced manufacturing methods
Structural and Cryogenic Testing
Neutron’s carbon composite second stage completes a barrage of structural tests in preparation for flight.
Archimedes Engine Build
First Archimedes development engine completed.
Hardware-in-the-Loop Flight to Orbit
Testing of all avionics and communications devices with critical onboard software and GNC algorithms.
First Archimedes Engine Hot Fire
Archimedes to breathe fire at Rocket Lab’s Stennis Test Complex within NASA Stennis Space Center.
Stage 1 Build Begins
Full-scale carbon composite Stage 1 tank being built using advanced manufacturing methods.
Stage 2 Build Begins
Full-scale carbon composite Stage 2 tank being built using advanced manufacturing methods.
AFP Machine
The world's largest AFP
machine of its kind is
commissioned ahead
of its first full scale
prints of Neutron
structures.
Stage 2 Qualification
Qualification of Stage 2's structure and systems complete. Stage 2 now ready for flight.
Flight Mechanisms Test Program
Testing of critical flight mechanisms including separation systems, fairing actuation, control surfaces and actuators.
Engine Qualification
Archimedes engine now ready for flight.
Stage 1 Qualification
Qualification of Stage 1's structure and systems complete. Stage 1 now ready for flight.
Launch Complex 3 Construction Complete
Construction on Neutron’s launch site in Virginia is complete.
Regulatory Approval for Launch
Neutron receives regulatory approval to fly from Launch Complex 3.
Stage 2 Static Fire
Hot fire exercising the Archimedes engine and all second stage systems. Testing like we would fly.
Stage 1 Static Fire
Hot fire exercising the cluster of 9 x Archimedes engine and all first stage systems. Testing like we would fly.
Vehicle Integration
Full flight vehicle complete and ready for flight.
Wet Dress Rehearsal
Final launch rehearsal exercising the launch vehicle and launch team.
LAUNCH
Neutron will take to the skies, ushering in a new era of space access.

Where we're building,
testing and launching Neutron.

Archimedes Engine Test Complex

The Archimedes Test Complex is the location for testing of Neutron's reusable Archimedes engine, located at NASA’s Stennis Space Center in Mississippi.

P5060075.jpg SML

Engine Development Complex

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 Engine Development Center Credit Austin Adams.jpg sml

Launch Site

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.

LC 3 pad with AIC buildings in the background2.jpg sml

Neutron Assembly & Integration Complex

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. 

the Assembly Integration Complex sml

Space Structures Complex

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.

Rocket Lab SSC Middle River