View source for Rocket Lab Neutron

{{Short description|Orbital launch vehicle}}
{{Use American English|date=March 2021}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=March 2021}}
{{Infobox rocket
| logo           = File:Neutron rocket logo.svg
| name           = Neutron
| function       = [[Reusable launch system|Reusable orbital launcher]]
| manufacturer   = [[Rocket Lab]]
| country-origin = [[United States]]
|cpl=$50 million<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.cnbc.com/amp/2023/03/24/rocket-lab-neutron-launch-price-challenges-spacex.html | title=Rocket Lab targets $50 million launch price for Neutron rocket to challenge SpaceX's Falcon 9 | website=[[CNBC]] | date=24 March 2023 }}</ref>
| stagedata      = 
  {{collapsed infobox section begin|Payloads}}
  {{Infobox rocket/payload|to=Q663611}}  <!-- to low Earth orbit -->
  {{Infobox rocket/payload|to=Q405}}     <!-- to the Moon -->
  {{Infobox rocket/payload|to=Q313}}     <!-- to Venus--->
  {{Infobox rocket/payload|to=Q111}}     <!-- to Mars--->
  {{collapsed infobox section end}}
  {{collapsed infobox section begin|Stages information}}
  {{Infobox rocket/stage|stageno=First|type=stage|qid=Q109510958}}  <!-- First stage -->
  {{Infobox rocket/stage|stageno=Second|type=stage|qid=Q109510953}} <!-- Second stage -->
  {{collapsed infobox section end}}
| status         = In development
| sites          = [[Mid-Atlantic Regional Spaceport|MARS]], [[Rocket Lab#Launch Complex 3|LC-3]]
| first           = 2025 (planned)<ref>{{cite press release | url=https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240506111202/en/Rocket-Lab-Completes-Archimedes-Engine-Build-Begins-Engine-Test-Campaign | title=Rocket Lab Completes Archimedes Engine Build, Begins Engine Test Campaign | date=6 May 2024 }}</ref>
| image           = Neutron Rocket 27.7.2023 Redesign.png|upright=0.4|comparable=[[Falcon 9]]}}

'''Neutron''' is a [[medium-lift launch vehicle|medium-lift]] [[two-stage-to-orbit|two-stage]] launch vehicle under development by [[Rocket Lab]]. Announced on 1 March 2021, the vehicle is designed to be capable of delivering a payload of {{cvt|13000|kg|sigfig=3}} to [[low Earth orbit]] in a [[Reusable launch vehicle|partially reusable configuration]],<ref name="rklb-Neutron" /> and will focus on the growing [[megaconstellation]] [[satellite]] delivery market.<ref name="sn20210301"/> The vehicle is expected to be operational sometime in 2025.<ref name="rklb-Neutron"/><ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-05-06 |title=Rocket Lab Completes Archimedes Engine Build, Begins Engine Test Campaign |url=https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240506111202/en/Rocket-Lab-Completes-Archimedes-Engine-Build-Begins-Engine-Test-Campaign |access-date=2024-05-06 |website=www.businesswire.com |language=en}}</ref> It uses [[Liquid oxygen|LOX]] and [[liquid methane]] [[Rocket propellant|propellant]] on both stages of the vehicle.<ref name="sn20210301" />

==Design==
An earlier design of Neutron (March 2021), included a rocket {{cvt|40|m}} tall with a {{cvt|4.5|m}}-diameter [[payload fairing]]. Rocket Lab stated that they intended for the [[First stage (rocketry)|first stage]] of the vehicle to be [[reusable launch vehicle|reusable]], with landings planned on a [[floating landing platform]] downrange in the [[Atlantic Ocean]].<ref name="sn20210301"/><ref name="bizwwire20210301"/>

On 2 December 2021, Rocket Lab unveiled a revised design for Neutron, featuring a tapered shape with a maximum diameter of {{cvt|7|m}}.<ref name="rklb-Neutron" /> Rocket Lab abandoned plans for landing Neutron on a [[floating landing platform|floating platform]], instead opting for a return-to-launch-site reusability profile. Instead of a conventional [[payload fairing]] that is jettisoned and recovered at sea, the fairing is integrated into the vehicle, and opens during stage separation to release the second stage and payload, and then closes before the first stage lands back on earth. The rocket features a unique interstage design where the second stage is "hung" from the first stage structure.<ref name="cnbc-20211202">{{cite web |last=Sheetz |first=Michael |url=https://www.cnbc.com/2021/12/02/rocket-lab-reusable-neutron-rocket-update-competing-with-spacex.html |title=Rocket Lab gives first look at plans for bigger, reusable Neutron rocket as it takes on SpaceX |work=[[CNBC]] |date=2 December 2021 |access-date=2 December 2021}}</ref>

On the 22nd of September 2022, another revised design was unveiled at an investor day, with the first stage engine count increased from seven to nine, and the engine architecture changed from [[Gas-generator cycle|gas-generator]] to oxygen rich [[Staged combustion cycle|staged combustion]]. This was done primarily to allow for a lower turbine temperature, while maintaining the same [[specific impulse]]. The engine will run with a significantly lower chamber pressure than other similar engines, at the cost of some performance. The number of fairing segments was reduced from four to two.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q6FW3WQu0w0&t=4293 | title=Rocket Lab 2022 Investor Day & Neutron Update | website=[[YouTube]] | date=22 September 2022 }}</ref>

On the 27th of July 2023, new concept art on the Rocket Lab website showed a further revised design, with a reduction in the number of [[payload fairing]] sections from 4 to 2, redesigned [[landing legs]], and small changes to the overall shape of the rocket. The number of payload fairing sections was reduced in order to allow for simpler fairing opening mechanisms while the landing legs were redesigned in order to be optimized for landings on [[Floating landing platform|floating platforms]], allowing for an increase in launch availability. The redesigned legs feature a folding mechanism similar to the [[Falcon 9|SpaceX Falcon 9]] landing legs.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Angle |first=Richard |date=2023-07-27 |title=Rocket Lab's Neutron undergoes design change |url=https://www.teslarati.com/rocket-labs-neutron-undergoes-design-change/ |access-date=2023-10-23 |website=TESLARATI |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>[https://s28.q4cdn.com/737637457/files/doc_financials/2023/q2/Rocket-Lab-Q2-2023-presentation_Final.pdf Rocket Lab Q2 2023 presentation], ''Investors.rocketlabusa.com,'' Retrieved 23 Oct 2023.</ref>

==Operations==
On 28 February 2022, Rocket Lab announced that Neutron will launch from the [[Mid-Atlantic Regional Spaceport]] (MARS) within [[National Aeronautics and Space Administration|NASA's]] [[Wallops Flight Facility]] on the eastern coast of [[Virginia]].<ref name="cnbc-20211202" /><ref name="sn20210302" /><ref name="wmdt.com">[https://www.wmdt.com/2022/02/rocket-lab-selects-virginias-eastern-shore-for-rocket-launch-site/ Rocket Lab selects Virginia's Eastern Shore for rocket launch site.]</ref> It was also announced that the company will build a 250,000 square feet manufacturing and operations facility adjacent to the Wallops Flight Facility.<ref name="wmdt.com"/> Ground was broken for this facility on 11 April 2022.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2022-04-11 |title=Rocket Lab Breaks Ground on Neutron Production Complex in Wallops, Virginia |url=https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20220411005857/en/Rocket-Lab-Breaks-Ground-on-Neutron-Production-Complex-in-Wallops-Virginia |access-date=2022-05-01 |website=www.businesswire.com |language=en}}</ref> {{As of|2021|12}}, Rocket Lab is planning for the first launch to take place no earlier than 2024.<ref name="cnbc-20211202"/> Test firing of Neutron's [[Archimedes (rocket engine)|Archimedes]] engine occurred at NASA's [[Stennis Space Center]] in [[Hancock County, Mississippi]].<ref>{{cite web |publisher=Area Development |date=September 24, 2022 |title= Rocket Lab Plans Hancock County, Mississippi, Engine Test Complex |url=https://www.areadevelopment.com/newsitems/9-24-2022/rocket-lab-stennis-space-center-hancock-county-mississippi.shtml}}</ref>

== Development timeline ==
Past and future development timeline of Neutron.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Neutron |url=https://www.rocketlabusa.com/launch/neutron/ |access-date=2023-10-22 |website=Rocket Lab |language=en}}</ref>
{| class="wikitable"
|+
!Date
!Milestone
!Status
|-
|Q2 2022
|Moulds and tooling for Neutron completed
|Completed<ref>[https://s28.q4cdn.com/737637457/files/doc_presentations/2022/09/Final_Investor-Day-Presentation-2022_Sept-21.pdf Rocket Lab Neutron update], ''investors.rocketlabusa.com,'' Retrieved 22 Oct 2023.</ref>
|-
|Q3 2022
|Full-scale prototype hardware for Archimedes and Neutron being made
|Completed<ref>[https://s28.q4cdn.com/737637457/files/doc_financials/2022/q3/FINAL_Q3-2022-Rocket-Lab-Earnings-1.pdf Rocket Lab Q3 2022 presentation], ''Investors.rocketlabusa.com,'' Retrieved 22 Oct 2023.</ref>
|-
|4 Nov 2022
|Opening Archimedes test complex at NASA Stennis Space Center
|Completed<ref>{{Cite web |title=Rocket Lab Opens Archimedes Engine Test Stand at Stennis Space Center in Mississippi |url=https://www.rocketlabusa.com/updates/rocket-lab-opens-archimedes-engine-test-stand-at-stennis-space-center-in-mississippi/ |access-date=2023-10-22 |website=Rocket Lab |language=en}}</ref>
|-
|Q4 2022
|Pre-burner hotfire Test of Archimedes engine for the first time
|Completed<ref>[https://s28.q4cdn.com/737637457/files/doc_financials/2022/q4/FINAL_Rocket-Lab-Q4-2022-presentation.pdf Rocket Lab Q4 2022 Earnings presentation], ''investors.rocketlabusa.com,'' Retrieved 22 October 2023.</ref>
|-
|10 Jan 2023
|Testing engine ignition on development hardware
|Completed<ref>[https://twitter.com/RocketLab/status/1612627192181305345?lang=en Rocket Lab on X.com], ''X.com'' Retrieved 22 Oct 2023.</ref>
|-
|Q1 2023
|Test stand infrastructure completed for Neutron Stage 2 tank
|Completed<ref>[https://s28.q4cdn.com/737637457/files/doc_financials/2023/q1/FINAL_Rocket-Lab-Q1-2023-presentation.pdf Rocket Lab Q1 2023 presentation], ''investors.rocketlab.com, Retrieved 22 October 2023.''</ref>
|-
|8 Aug 2023
|First Stage 2 build
|Completed<ref>{{Cite web |title=Rocket Lab – Events & Presentations – Presentations |url=https://investors.rocketlabusa.com/events-and-presentations/presentations/default.aspx |access-date=2023-10-22 |website=investors.rocketlabusa.com}}</ref>
|-
|4 Oct 2023
|Stage two structural and cryogenic testing
|Completed<ref>[https://twitter.com/RocketLab/status/1709683367778853365 Rocket Lab on X.com], ''X.com'', Retrieved 23 October 2023.</ref>
|-
|6 May 2024
|First Archimedes development engine built
|Completed<ref>[https://twitter.com/RocketLab/status/1787582571112739229/photo/1 Archimedes is here], ''X.com'', Retrieved 6 May 2024</ref>
|-
|8 Aug 2024
|First Archimedes engine hot fire
|Completed<ref>{{Cite web |title=Rocket Lab Completes Successful First Hot Fire of Archimedes Engine for Neutron Rocket |url=https://www.rocketlabusa.com/updates/rocket-lab-completes-successful-first-hot-fire-of-archimedes-engine-for-neutron-rocket/ |access-date=2024-08-10 |website=Rocket Lab |language=en}}</ref>
|-
|2024
|Testing of all avionics and communications devices with critical onboard software and GNC algorithms
|Completed<ref>{{Cite web |title=Neutron |url=https://www.rocketlabusa.com/launch/neutron/ |access-date=2024-07-02 |website=Rocket Lab |language=en}}</ref>
|-
|NET 2024
|Flight mechanisms test program
|In Progress
|-
|NET 2024
|Stage 1 build
|In progress
|-
|NET 2024
|Stage 2 static fire
|Not started
|-
|NET 2024
|Stage 1 static fire
|Not started
|-
|NET 2024
|[[Mid-Atlantic Regional Spaceport#Launch Pad 0D (LP-0D)/Launch Complex-3 (LC-3)|Launch complex 3]] complete
|In progress
|-
|NET 2024
|Final integration
|Not started
|-
|NET 2024
|Wet dress rehearsal
|Not started
|-
|NET 2025
|Launch
|Not started
|}

==Applications==
Neutron is designed to lift up to {{cvt|15000|kg|sigfig=3}} while expended, {{cvt|13000|kg|sigfig=3}} while landing the booster downrange and up to {{cvt|8000|kg|sigfig=3}} with the first stage returning to the launch site. Rocket Lab forecasts Neutron will be able to launch 98% of all payloads launched through 2029. Rocket Lab also intends the [[design]] to be able to support [[Satellite constellation|constellation deployment]], [[Deep space exploration|deep space missions]], and eventually [[human spaceflight]].<ref name="bizwwire20210301"/>

== References ==
{{Reflist|2|refs=

<ref name="rklb-Neutron">{{cite web |url=https://www.rocketlabusa.com/launch/neutron/ |title=Neutron |work=[[Rocket Lab]] |date=2 December 2021 |access-date=2 December 2021}}</ref>

<ref name="sn20210301">{{cite news|title=Rocket Lab to go public through SPAC merger and develop medium-lift rocket|url=https://spacenews.com/rocket-lab-to-go-public-through-spac-merger-and-develop-medium-lift-rocket/|work=[[SpaceNews]]|last=Foust|first=Jeff|date=1 March 2021|access-date=1 March 2021}}</ref>

<ref name="sn20210302">{{cite web |last=Foust |first=Jeff |url=https://spacenews.com/rocket-lab-says-spac-deal-will-accelerate-development-of-neutron-rocket/ |title=Rocket Lab says SPAC deal will accelerate development of Neutron rocket |work=[[SpaceNews]] |date=2 March 2021 |access-date=4 March 2021}}</ref>

<ref name="bizwwire20210301">{{cite press release |url=https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210301005406/en/Rocket-Lab-Unveils-Plans-for-New-8-Ton-Class-Reusable-Rocket-for-Mega-Constellation-Deployment|title=Rocket Lab Unveils Plans for New 8-Ton Class Reusable Rocket for Mega-Constellation Deployment|publisher=[[Business Wire]]|date=1 March 2021|access-date=1 March 2021}}</ref>

}}

== External links ==
* [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7kwAPr5G6WA Neutron update on YouTube (2 December 2021)]
{{Orbital launch systems}}
{{Reusable launch systems}}
{{Rocket Lab}}

[[Category:Rocket Lab|Neutron]]
[[Category:Reusable launch systems]]
[[Category:Partially reusable space launch vehicles]]