Neutron

Neutron [Rocket Lab]

Neutron is a partially reusable medium-lift two stage rocket, which is being developed by Rocket Lab, a US/New Zealand company. Both stages are Methane and LOX fueled.

Neutron has a tapered carbon composite structure of 7 m diameter and 40 m length It features a petal-like 4.5 m payload fairing, which remains attached to stage 1 and which covers both stage 2 and the payload. Neutron has a lift capacity of up to 8000 kg to low-Earth orbit, 2000 kg to the Moon, and 1500 kg to Mars and Venus. Neutron will feature a reusable first stage designed to land on an ocean platform, enabling a high launch cadence and decreased launch costs for customers. Initially designed for satellite payloads, Neutron will also be capable of International Space Station (ISS) resupply and human spaceflight missions.

Neutron launches will take place from Virginia’s Mid-Atlantic Regional Spaceport located at the NASA Wallops Flight Facility. By leveraging the existing launch pad and integration infrastructure at the Mid-Atlantic Regional Spaceport, Rocket Lab eliminates the need to build a new pad, accelerating the timeline to first launch, expected in 2024.