Rocket Lab, a company best known for its small satellite launches with the Electron rocket, is now stepping into the world of heavy-lift spaceflight with Neutron—a powerful, reusable rocket designed for the future of space exploration. With mega-constellation deployments, deep space missions, and even human spaceflight in mind, Neutron is set to compete with some of the biggest rockets in the industry.
Height: 43 m (141 ft)
Diameter: 7 m
Fairing Diameter: 5 m
Payload to Low Earth Orbit (LEO): 13,000 kg (28,660 lbs)
Liftoff Mass: 480,000 kg (1,058,000 lbs)
Propellant: LOX / Methane
Neutron isn’t just another rocket—it’s designed with efficiency and reusability in mind. Some of its standout features include:
✔️ Designed for mega-constellations, deep space, and human spaceflight – Neutron will play a major role in launching large numbers of satellites, supporting deep-space missions, and possibly carrying astronauts in the future.
✔️ Full reusability with return-to-launch-site landing – Unlike many rockets that land on drone ships or require refurbishment, Neutron is built to land back at its launch site, reducing turnaround time and cost.
✔️ Captive fairing design – Instead of jettisoning fairings (the protective shell around payloads) into the ocean, Neutron keeps them attached to the first stage, making them fully reusable.
✔️ Lightweight carbon composite structure – Using Rocket Lab’s specially formulated carbon composite, Neutron is both strong and lightweight, improving efficiency and reducing launch costs.
Rocket Lab is developing a brand-new engine for Neutron called Archimedes. This methane-powered engine is designed for high performance and reliability, featuring a closed-cycle system for maximum efficiency.
Engines: 9 Archimedes engines
Thrust per engine: 165,000 lbf
Total liftoff thrust: 1,485,000 lbf
Propellant: LOX / Methane
Cycle Type: Oxidizer-Rich Closed Cycle
Engine: Single vacuum-optimized Archimedes engine
Thrust: 890 kN (200,000 lbf)
Propellant: LOX / Methane
Cycle Type: Oxidizer-Rich Closed Cycle
Rocket Lab is constructing a dedicated launch pad for Neutron at Wallops Island, Virginia. This facility will allow Neutron to return to its launch site, enabling rapid reusability and lowering launch costs.
With Neutron, Rocket Lab is making the leap from small satellite launches to large-scale missions, directly competing with SpaceX’s Falcon 9 and other heavy-lift rockets. Its innovative reusability, advanced design, and powerful engines position it as a game-changer in the industry.
The first Neutron launch is expected in the coming years, with Rocket Lab rapidly developing and testing its Archimedes engines and launch infrastructure. If successful, Neutron could become a major player in the next era of space exploration!
Stay tuned—Rocket Lab is aiming for the stars! 🚀✨