Rocket Lab unveils Space X Falcon 9's reusable Neutron rocket

Rocket Lab has shown a multifunctional rocket that will try to compete with the Falcon 9. The new product is called Neutron.

What is known

The carrier is of the middle class. It will be able to launch a load weighing 15 tons into low-earth orbit, but with reusable use, the payload mass is almost halved, to 8 tons. At the same time, the development of the rocket is still ongoing.

Neutron has a height of 40 m and a diameter of 7 m. The rocket head diameter is 5 m. The carrier body is made of carbon fiber. The manufacturer says the first stage will be powered by Archimedes engines, which are still under development.

The same engine will be used in Neutron's second stage for post-orbital propulsion. Rocket Lab said that the upper stage after the separation of the second stage will go to the platform, where it will be able to undergo servicing before the next launch.

One of the Neutron features is the nose cone, which stays with the wearer and does not detach in flight. At the same time, it can open up and release the second stage with a load. After that, the fairing is closed again, and the launch vehicle is sent to Earth.

Rocket Lab is expected to launch the Neutron rocket into space in 2024. In 2022, the company plans to conduct the first fire tests of Archimedes.

A source: CNBC