Rocket Lab executives say the first launch of their new reusable Neutron rocket will take place this year. Earlier, a report was published that it might have to be postponed until 2027.
The Neutron will be launched this year
On February 27, in a conversation with Rocket Lab management, it became known that they had made significant progress in preparing the first launch of their new Neutron rocket, and it would take place in the second half of 2025.
Neutron is a new development from a company that has previously achieved significant success with ultralight media. However, this time it is a medium-lift carrier, and a reusable one at that. It is currently considered the main contender to compete with SpaceX’s Falcon 9.
That is why, when the technical report published on February 25 reported significant problems that prevented the launch of the rocket by 2026, it was taken very seriously. Moreover, it was suggested that the first launch might be postponed to 2027. That is, the start of real competition with Elon Musk may not be soon enough.
And yet it will be in 2025
The research report explicitly states that several issues with the Archimedes engines need to be resolved before the first launch. And the situation with the preparation of the launch site on Wallops Island is not the best. Therefore, the reasons for the delay are quite objective.
Still, the company’s management is optimistic. They recognize that there will be delays, but they will not last longer than a few months. Earlier they were talking about mid-2025, now they are talking about the end.
According to the statement, the company’s specialists have made great progress in preparing the launch site. In addition, a 120-meter-long barge was purchased. It will be used to land the lower stage of the Neutron in the future. However, this will happen in 2026. And in the first test, it will perform a soft landing on water. The company needs to demonstrate that the rocket can fly before the next round of NASA contract awards.
Provided by spacenews.com
