Rocket Lab · In Development · us · Launch Vehicle
Neutron
Reusable medium-lift rocket targeting 13 t to LEO; pad delivery targeted Q4 2026, and Rocket Lab says the window for a 2026 debut is narrowing.
Verified 2026-09-24
Systems cutaway
9× Archimedes engines (LOX/methane) on first stage; qualification testing at NASA Stennis; 1,485,000 lbf total liftoff thrust.
Carbon composite construction; captive clamshell fairing integral to first stage; 7 m diameter.
First stage and integral fairing return to launch site (RTLS) or downrange landing; designed for high flight-rate reuse.
Specs & Metrics
- Payload to LEO ↑ better
- 13,000 kg
- Maximum payload mass deliverable to low Earth orbit (~200–400 km circular), in the vehicle's stated reference configuration.
- Liftoff Thrust ↑ better
- 6603 kN
- 1,485,000 lbf from 9 Archimedes engines, converted
- Total first-stage thrust at liftoff (sea-level), in kilonewtons, summing all active engines and solid strap-ons.
- Vehicle Height ↓ better
- 43 m
- Full stack height at liftoff, in metres, including fairing or spacecraft.
Subsystems
9× Archimedes engines (LOX/methane) on first stage; qualification testing at NASA Stennis; 1,485,000 lbf total liftoff thrust.
Carbon composite construction; captive clamshell fairing integral to first stage; 7 m diameter.
First stage and integral fairing return to launch site (RTLS) or downrange landing; designed for high flight-rate reuse.
Program roadmap
- slipped
Neutron delivered to the pad at Launch Complex 3 (a January 2026 Stage 1 tank rupture set the program back)
2026 Q4↗ - planned
Neutron maiden flight — Rocket Lab: the window for an end-of-year launch is narrowing; may slip into 2027
2026 Q4↗ - planned
USAF re-entry mission point-to-point cargo demonstration
2026↗