Rocket Lab successfully completed qualification tests of the main fairing of the new Neutron rocket.
The missile is a partially reusable medium class carrier, capable of deriving to 13 tons of cargo into low Earth orbit in a first-stage return configuration. The main feature of its innovative design is that, that at startup the second stage will be "hidden" inside the first stage, equipped with an opening main fairing. After reaching the required flight stage, the Neutron first stage will open the fairing and release the second stage with the payload. After that, the first stage will close again and return to Earth, at that hour, as the second activates the engine and launches the cargo into the desired orbit. A modified 120-meter Return On Investment barge will be used for landing the first stage.
Thanks to this approach, Rocket Lab will simultaneously return the first stage, and main fairing. Компанія SpaceX теж повертає обтічник ракети Falcon 9, але за іншим принципом: його половинки розділяються і падають на Землю незалежно одна від одної та від першого ступеня, after which they are picked up by ships.
Before launching Neutron into space, Rocket Lab conducted a series of intensive tests on its main fairing, in particular: application of external force in 1223 kN to simulate dynamic pressure during start-up; checking the cycle of opening and closing mechanisms with speed, which is more than necessary; software integration; load, on 125 % higher than project requirements.
The fairing will be delivered to the MARS Regional Spaceport (Mid-Atlantic Regional Spaceport), located on Wallops Island off the coast of Virginia, where Rocket Lab has its own launch pad. Upon arrival at the spaceport, it is being integrated into the Neutron first stage to conduct such pre-launch tests, such as static tests and a dress rehearsal of the launch. Rocket Lab plans to make the first launch of the new rocket early 2026 year.
Source: https://universemagazine.com