Rocket Lab presented a new Launch Complex 3 on the coast of Virginia for launches of the Neutron medium-range missile, which will be the company's first reusable rocket. Expected, that her debut flight will take place at the end 2025 year.
Neutron is designed to close the launch needs of mid-range satellites. The rocket has height 43 m and is able to deliver to 13 tons of cargo into low Earth orbit (LEO). The first stage is equipped with nine new Archimedes engines running on liquid methane and oxygen, making it completely reusable.
A feature of the design is the placement of the second stage inside the first. A payload flap is used for separation, known as “Hungry Hippo”, which opens and takes the second stage into space. After that, the first stage makes a landing on land or on a sea platform.
The new site in Virginia is built with high launch intensity in mind. At the initial stage, the rockets will be installed using a crane, however, infrastructure expansion is foreseen. In addition, Rocket Lab presented the Return On Investment marine platform, which will allow landing in style, similar to the practice of SpaceX.
Neutron has undergone changes during development. At first it was planned, that the rocket will have 40 m high, seven Archimedes engines and carrying capacity 8 tons on LEO – now its parameters have increased. This ensures the placement of more massive satellites, which corresponds to the current trends in the space industry.
Rocket Lab already has its first customers. It is known, that the rocket will be used to launch satellite constellations and special missions. In particular, The US Air Force has planned a Neutron test flight in 2026 year to check the delivery of goods according to the concept “point-to-point”. The company plans one test flight in 2025 year, three — in 2026 year, five - in 2027 year, and in the future go to seven launches every year.
Neutron will be an addition to the existing Electron rocket, used for small satellite missions. Unlike Electron, which is capable of lifting only approx 300 Kg, Neutron enters a new level in the segment of medium loads and should become a competitor of Falcon 9 by SpaceX and Blue Origin's New Glenn.
Source: https://www.space.com