Aerospace company Rocket Lab has announced its plans for a new rocket named Neutron set for a 2024 launch.
On Monday, March 1, the private aerospace team known for its small satellite ride-sharing services made a video announcement for its new "8-ton class reusable rocket tailored for mega constellations, deep space missions and human spaceflight."
The apparent change in direction follows immediately as Rocket Lab gears up before going public, after its planned merger with the special purpose acquisition company (SPAC) Vector Acquisition Corporation, valuing the space systems and launch company at $4.1 billion.
The Neutron's marked upscale compared to the flagship Electron rocket is the second change of plans intended to take advantage of the rising potential of mega constellation of satellites that includes, most notably, the Starlink network by Elon Musk's Space X.
"There are some things we said we would never do, but we're going to build a big rocket," Peter Beck, Rocket Lab CEO, in the announcement video.
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Meet Neutron: Electron's Larger Brother
The new Rocket Lab project, the Neutron Rocket, is set to stand at over 130 feet tall (40 meters), with a payload capacity of up to eight metric tons, or 18,000 lbs (8,000 kilograms) up to low Earth orbit. Additionally, the Neutron can deliver up to 4,400 lbs (2,000 kgs) to the Moon. It also has a capacity for carrying up to 3,300 lbs (1,500 kg or 1.5 metric tons) to Mars and Venus.
In comparison, the Electron rocket currently stands at 59 feet tall (18m) and has a payload capacity of 660 lbs (300 kg) intended for small satellite launches. Rocket Lab aims to recover Electron boosters via parachutes caught mid-air with a helicopter.
An illustration of the Neutron rocket reveals a 4.5-meter fairing diameter - the nose cone that protects payloads upon launch - and a reusable first stage designed to land on an ocean platform. This allows the rocket to maintain a high launch cadence and lesser costs for its ride-sharing customers. In an accompanying statement from Rocket Lab, "Neutron will also be capable of International Space Station (ISS) resupply and human spaceflight missions)."
Should everything follow the schedule, Rocket Lab also details that the Neutron will be launching from Virginia, from the new Rocket Lab launch pad inside the NASA Wallops Flight Facility in the state. The same location has been chosen for future Electron missions.
"Rocket Lab solved small launch with Electron. Now we're unlocking a new category with Neutron," Peter Beck said in a statement.
About Rocket Lab
Rocket Lab is an American aerospace manufacturer with a New Zealand subsidiary. Its flagship Electron, a lightweight orbital rocket, has provided a dedicated launch medium for small satellites, nanosatellites, and CubeSats. It has catered to a variety of clients including the Te Punaha Atea at the Auckland Space Institute, the University of Auckland, Planet Labs, Canon Electronics, Capella Space, and more.
Its first launch for 2021 was a dedicated flight for the European multinational OHB SE, launching a secretive communications satellite.
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