Rocket Lab USA, Inc. Reveals Neutron Launch Vehicle?s Advanced Architecture
December 02, 2021 at 08:15 am EST
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Rocket Lab USA, Inc. revealed new details about the next generation Neutron launch vehicle in a virtual event streamed via Rocket Lab?s YouTube channel. Building on Rocket Lab?s proven experience developing the Electron launch vehicle, the second most frequently launched U.S. rocket annually since 2019, the advanced 8-ton payload class Neutron launch vehicle is designed to transform space access by delivering reliable and cost-effective launch services for satellite mega-constellations, deep space missions and human spaceflight. During today?s live streamed Neutron update, Rocket Lab founder and CEO Peter Beck revealed new details about Neutron?s unique design, materials, propulsion, and reusability architecture for the first time. Neutron will be the first carbon composite large launch vehicle. Rocket Lab pioneered the use of carbon composite for orbital rockets with the Electron rocket, which has been delivering frequent and reliable access to space for government and commercial small satellites since 2018. Neutron?s structure will be comprised of a new, specially formulated carbon composite material that is lightweight, strong and can withstand the immense heat and forces of launch and re-entry again and again to enable frequent re-flight of the first stage. To enable rapid manufacturability, Neutron?s carbon composite structure will be made using an automated fiber placement system which can build meters of carbon rocket shell in minutes.
Rocket Lab USA, Inc. is an end-to-end space company. The Company designs and manufactures small and medium-class rockets, spacecraft and spacecraft components and related software and services to support the space economy. The Company delivers reliable launch services, spacecraft design services, spacecraft components, spacecraft manufacturing and other spacecraft and on-orbit management solutions that make it easier to access space. The Company's Launch Services segment provides launch and launch related services to customers on a dedicated mission or ride share basis. Its Space Systems segment comprises spacecraft engineering and design services, spacecraft components, spacecraft manufacturing and on-orbit mission operations. Its space systems solutions are the building blocks for spacecraft, which include composite structures, reaction wheels, star trackers, solar solutions, radios, separation systems, command and control spacecraft software and power solutions.
ROCKET LAB USA, INC. 
