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Credit: Rocket Lab
On Tuesday, December 2 Rocket Lab revealed its new Neutron rocket. It will be a two stage partially reusable rocket. It will use 7 gas-cycle Archimedes engines on the first stage and 1 on the second stage. Unlike current rockets, the second stage will come out of the payload fairing. Because of this, the second stage will be the strongest and lightest upper stage ever.
Credit: Rocket Lab
The first stage and payload fairing will be wide at the base and thin at the top. This will reduce pressure during reentry.
Credit: Rocket Lab
A notable change is that instead of landing on an ASDS (Automated Support Drone Ship), the first stage will return to the launch site (RTLS). The reason Rocket Lab decided to do this is that it reduces cost, and they only have to lift the second stage and payload into the fairing, put the rocket back on the pad, and they can launch again!
Credit: Rocket Lab
Neutron's main use is LEO mega-constellations, but it will also be used for geo-stationary and interplanetary launches. It will also be able to be used for human exploration missions (both cargo resupply and crewed launches).
Neutron will have a lot more capability than Electron (see below).
Credit: Rocket Lab
You can watch Rocket Lab's new Neutron video below:
That's great news! Looks like SpaceX is getting some competition. Hopefully we'll see some hardware soon!
Wow! I only had 2 of those! Rock on.