Rocket Lab Opens Engine Development Center in Long Beach
Read more
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
Performance
Neutron will feature the new Archimedes Engine
First Stage
- 9 Archimedes Engines
- Lox/Methane Oxidizer Rich Closed Cycle
- Total Lift-off Thrust: 6,800 kN (1,530,000 lbf)
- Total Peak Thrust: 7,300 kN (1,640,000 lbf)
Second Stage
- Single Vacuum Archimedes Engine
- Lox/Methane Oxidizer Rich Closed Cycle
- Vacuum Thrust: 890 kN (200,000 lbf)
Path to Lift-Off
2023
2024
Stage 2 Build
COMPLETE: First full-scale carbon composite tank built using advanced manufacturing methods
Structural and Cryogenic Testing
Neutron’s carbon composite second stage to complete a barrage of structural tests in preparation for flight.
Flight Mechanisms Test Program
Testing of critical flight mechanisms including separation systems, fairing actuation, control surfaces and actuators.
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 Propulsion Test Complex within NASA Stennis Space Center.
Stage 1 Build
Full-scale carbon composite stage 1 tank built using advanced manufacturing methods.
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.
Launch Complex 3 Complete
Neutron’s launch site at the Mid-Atlantic Regional Spaceport within NASA’s Wallops Flight Facility in Virginia complete.
Final Integration
Full flight vehicle complete and ready for flight.
Wet Dress Rehearsal
Final systems checks before first launch.
LAUNCH!
Neutron will take to the skies, ushering in a new era of U.S. space access.
Latest News
Rocket Lab Opens Engine Development Center in Long Beach
Read more
Rocket Lab Bolsters Neutron Rocket Program with Purchase of Virgin Orbit Long Beach California Assets
Read more
Rocket Lab Opens Archimedes Engine Test Stand at Stennis Space Center in Mississippi
Read more
Rocket Lab Selects NASA Stennis Space Center For Neutron Engine Test Facility
Read more
Rocket Lab Signs Agreement with USTRANSCOM to Explore Using Neutron and Electron Rockets to Deliver Cargo Around the World
Read more
Rocket Lab Wins $24m U.S. Space Force Contract to Develop Neutron Upper Stage
Read more
Rocket Lab Breaks Ground on Neutron Production Complex in Wallops, Virginia
Read more
Rocket Lab Selects Virginia for Neutron Launch Site & Extensive Manufacturing Complex
Read more
Rocket Lab Hosts Investor Day and Neutron Development Update
Read more
Rocket Lab Reveals Neutron Launch Vehicle’s Advanced Architecture
Read more
Gallery
Stage 2 tank testing using cryogenic fill and pressure cycles to determine structural and sealing integrity and performance
Stage 2 tank testing using cryogenic fill and pressure cycles to determine structural and sealing integrity and performance
Stage 2 qualification tank
Stage 2 qualification tank
Rutherford vs Archimedes engine size
Rutherford vs Archimedes engine size
Archimedes engine development
Archimedes engine development
Neutron stage 2 development tank
Neutron stage 2 development tank
Stage 2 cryogenic test stand
Stage 2 cryogenic test stand
Neutron vs Electron common bulkhead
Neutron vs Electron common bulkhead
Neutron in flight
Neutron in flight
Neutron in flight
Neutron in flight
Neutron
Neutron
Where we're building,
testing and launching Neutron.
Neutron Production Complex
Located within the Mid-Atlantic Regional Spaceport on Virginia’s Eastern Shore, the Neutron Production Complex is home to rocket production, assembly, and integration. The 250,000 square foot state-of-the-art complex will be constructed on a 28-acre site adjacent to the Wallops Island Flight Facility and will include a Launch Control Center for launch activities and on-orbit operations. This complex is supported by Archimedes engine production at Rocket Lab’s Headquarters and Production Complex in Long Beach, California.
Archimedes Engine Test Complex
The Archimedes Test Complex is located across a 1 million square foot area at NASA’s Stennis Space Center and includes use and development of existing infrastructure of the A-3 Test Stand to develop and test Neutron’s Archimedes engines.
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.
