NZ Herald senior business journalist Madison Reidy has released a two video deep dive on Rocket Lab’s progress with Neutron that is a must watch. The first, an interview with Peter Beck, is particularly interesting as it cuts through a lot of the disinformation and tribalism that has plagued the space community on Twitter.
I fed Claude Sonnet 3.5 Rocket Lab’s latest earnings presentation and asked it to analyze the results.
Rocket Lab has released its Q2 2024 earnings report, revealing significant growth and progress across multiple fronts. This quarter marks a pivotal moment for the company, demonstrating its increasing prominence in the commercial space sector and its ambitions to become a fully integrated end-to-end space company.
The standout figure from this earnings report is Rocket Lab’s record-breaking quarterly revenue of $106 million. This represents a substantial 71% year-on-year increase and a 15% quarter-on-quarter growth. Such impressive financial performance underscores Rocket Lab’s expanding market share and the increasing demand for its services in both launch and space systems segments.
The company’s backlog, standing at $1.067 billion, further reinforces its strong market position and future revenue potential. This growing backlog, up 5% from the previous quarter, indicates sustained customer interest and confidence in Rocket Lab’s capabilities.
Rocket Lab’s Electron rocket continues to cement its position as the leader in the small launch market. In a year marked by launch anomalies and delays across the industry, Electron has maintained its reliability and launch cadence. The rocket accounted for 64% of all non-SpaceX orbital U.S. launches in 2024 so far, becoming the third most frequently launched rocket globally in 2024.
The company has demonstrated Electron’s versatility and precision through various missions, including back-to-back NASA launches within 11 days, tailored constellation deployments, and complex missions like space debris removal demonstrations. These achievements highlight why satellite operators are willing to pay a premium for Electron’s services.
Rocket Lab has also secured significant new contracts, including a 10-launch agreement with Synspective and multiple launches for other commercial constellation operators. These multi-launch contracts underscore the growing demand for reliable small satellite launch services in the new space economy.
While Electron continues to dominate the small launch market, Rocket Lab is making steady progress on its Neutron rocket, aimed at addressing the medium launch market. The company highlights the strong and growing demand for medium-lift launch services, with projections of over 10,000 satellites needing launch services by 2030 from constellations alone.
Neutron’s development appears to be on a faster timeline compared to other new medium-lift rockets in development. Rocket Lab reports that flight hardware is in production and qualification for 100% of the vehicle. Key milestones include successful hot fire tests of the Archimedes engine, production of structural components, and ongoing construction of launch infrastructure.
The company’s vertical integration strategy is evident in Neutron’s development, with in-house production of major components and the establishment of automated composite production capabilities. This approach could potentially give Rocket Lab a competitive edge in terms of cost and production speed as Neutron enters service.
Rocket Lab’s Space Systems segment is increasingly becoming a major revenue driver for the company. With over $720 million in contract value for satellites in development, production, and operation, this segment is diversifying Rocket Lab’s revenue streams and positioning it as more than just a launch provider.
Notable achievements in the Space Systems segment include:
Completion of twin satellites for NASA’s Mars ESCAPADE mission, showcasing Rocket Lab’s ability to deliver complex spacecraft on time and on budget.
Progress on constellation production for major contracts like Scorpius (18 spacecraft for the Space Development Agency) and Thunder (17 spacecraft buses for Globalstar).
Introduction of the next-generation Advanced Satellite Dispenser (ASD), demonstrating ongoing innovation in satellite deployment technology.
Potential expansion of space solar manufacturing capabilities, supported by proposed federal and state incentives including CHIPS Act funding.
While Rocket Lab’s revenue growth is impressive, the company still faces challenges in achieving profitability. The Q2 report shows a non-GAAP free cash flow of -$28.3 million and an adjusted EBITDA loss of $21.2 million. However, these figures represent only slight increases from the previous quarter, despite significant revenue growth, suggesting improving operational efficiency. Importantly, Rocket Lab maintains a strong liquidity position with $546.8 million in cash, cash equivalents, marketable securities, and restricted cash at the end of Q2 2024.
The company’s Q3 2024 outlook projects continued revenue growth, with expected revenue between $100 million to $105 million. This guidance indicates confidence in sustained demand for both launch and space systems services. With its substantial cash reserves, Rocket Lab appears well-positioned to fund its ongoing operations and strategic initiatives while working towards profitability.
Rocket Lab’s Q2 2024 earnings report showcases a company expertly executing its strategy to become a comprehensive space services provider. By leveraging its proven Electron rocket, making significant strides in the Neutron program, and expanding its space systems capabilities, Rocket Lab is solidifying its position as a key player in the evolving new space industry.
The company’s vertical integration approach is a cornerstone of its success, setting it apart from many competitors. This strategy has enabled Rocket Lab to de-risk its operations across both launch and spacecraft manufacturing. The successful development and testing of the Archimedes engine for Neutron, for instance, demonstrates the company’s ability to innovate and control critical technologies in-house.
Rocket Lab’s focus on both launch and spacecraft manufacturing has created a synergistic ecosystem that enhances its competitive edge. As the demand for space-based services continues to grow, the company is strategically positioned to capture a significant share of this expanding market.
The coming years present exciting opportunities for Rocket Lab as it progresses towards its vision of becoming an end-to-end space company. With each successful Electron launch, advancement in the Neutron program, and expansion of its space systems capabilities, Rocket Lab is systematically reducing risks and strengthening its market position.
For industry observers and investors, Rocket Lab’s progress serves as a compelling example of successful strategic execution in the commercial space sector. The company’s achievements highlight the immense potential in building a comprehensive space services business in the 21st century, showcasing how innovative approaches and vertical integration can drive success in this dynamic industry.
Peter Beck just shared an update on the company’s progress with Archimedes. The tweet provides a glimpse into the intricate and methodical process that precedes a full stage hot fire. This milestone underscores Rocket Lab’s commitment to precision engineering and the challenges inherent in developing reliable rocket propulsion systems.
As Beck’s tweet reveals, Rocket Lab has successfully completed a pre burner ignition and run. This phase involves the initial ignition of the engine’s pre burner, a critical component responsible for driving the turbopumps that feed propellants into the main combustion chamber. The successful ignition indicates that the pre burner is functioning correctly, a foundational step in the overall engine testing sequence.
The next phase focuses on tuning the propellant timings. This process, expected to take a week or more, involves adjusting the precise moments when propellants are introduced and ignited within the engine. These adjustments are crucial for ensuring that the engine operates efficiently and safely. The sensitivity of these timings to start-up transients and other variables necessitates meticulous attention to detail and extensive testing.
Beck emphasizes the engine’s sensitivity to start-up transients—rapid changes in conditions that occur when the engine starts. These transients can significantly impact the performance and stability of the engine. Understanding and mitigating their effects is essential for achieving a smooth and reliable engine start-up.
Characterizing these transients involves detailed measurements and analysis of various parameters, including pressure, temperature, and flow rates. Engineers use this data to refine the engine’s design and control systems, ensuring that it can handle the dynamic conditions of start-up and operation.
The ultimate goal of this testing phase is to conduct a full stage run, where the main valves are opened, and the engine operates at its full capacity. This stage is critical for verifying the engine’s performance under real-world conditions and ensuring that it meets all design specifications.
Achieving this milestone requires a comprehensive understanding of the engine’s behavior across a range of operating points. This includes not only start-up transients but also steady-state operation and response to various control inputs. The characterization process, therefore, involves extensive data collection and iterative testing to fine-tune the engine’s performance.
Rocket engine development is a complex and iterative process that requires a deep understanding of fluid dynamics, thermodynamics, and materials science. Each component of the engine must be carefully designed and tested to ensure that it can withstand the extreme conditions of rocket propulsion.
Rocket Lab’s approach, as evidenced by Beck’s update, highlights the importance of systematic testing and refinement. By focusing on detailed characterization and tuning, the team ensures that each phase of development builds on a solid foundation of validated performance.
Rocket Lab’s recent progress in pre burner ignition and tuning marks a significant step towards achieving a full stage run. The detailed and methodical approach to engine development underscores the complexities involved and the importance of precision in rocket propulsion systems. As the team continues to refine their engine, they move closer to realizing their goal of reliable and efficient Neutron launch capabilities.
Last night, Firefly Aerospace successfully launched its Alpha rocket on the “Noise of Summer” mission from Vandenberg Space Force Base. The launch, which occurred at 9:04 PM PDT, marked a significant milestone for Firefly as it successfully deployed eight CubeSats into low Earth orbit. The payloads included CubeSats from various institutions such as the University of Maine, University of Arizona, NASA Johnson Space Center, and University of Washington. Notable satellites include the CatSat, which will demonstrate an inflatable antenna for high-speed communications, and the SOC-i, a technology demonstration mission focusing on advanced attitude control.
I asked both Claude 3.5 and ChatGPT to weigh in on this and this is what they had to say:
The “spin primes” phase is an important step in rocket engine testing, occurring before full hot fire tests. It’s part of the preparatory stages leading up to a complete engine firing. Here’s a brief overview:
Purpose: Spin primes test the turbopumps that deliver propellants to the combustion chamber. The pumps are spun up without igniting the engine.
Process: Propellants flow through the system, but at lower pressures and temperatures than a full hot fire. This checks for proper operation of valves, seals, and pumps.
Position in testing sequence:
Proximity to hot fire: Spin primes are typically conducted days or weeks before the first hot fire test, depending on the testing schedule and results.
Spin primes are crucial for verifying system readiness and identifying potential issues before progressing to more demanding and risky hot fire tests. They help ensure the propellant delivery system functions correctly under more realistic conditions.
The “spin primes” phase is a critical step in the testing process of rocket engines. This phase involves spinning the engine’s turbo pumps to ensure they are functioning correctly and can achieve the necessary speed and pressure to deliver fuel and oxidizer to the combustion chamber. Here’s a breakdown of its place in the overall testing process and its proximity to the hot fire test:
Component Testing: Individual components of the engine, such as the turbo pumps, injectors, and combustion chambers, are tested to ensure they work correctly on their own.
Assembly and Integration: The tested components are assembled into a complete engine. Integration checks are conducted to ensure everything fits and works together as expected.
Cryogenic Testing: The engine is tested with cryogenic fluids to check for leaks, proper flow rates, and the correct operation of components at extremely low temperatures.
Spin Primes: The turbo pumps are spun up to operational speeds without igniting the engine. This test ensures that the pumps can reach the required speed, generate the necessary pressure, and operate smoothly. It also checks for any anomalies that might occur during pump operation.
Wet Dress Rehearsal: The engine is loaded with fuel and oxidizer, and the systems are put through a full operational cycle without actually igniting the engine. This step ensures that all systems are ready for a hot fire test.
Hot Fire Test: The engine is ignited and run at full operational conditions. This is the critical test that demonstrates the engine’s performance and reliability under actual operating conditions.
The spin primes phase is one of the final steps before the hot fire test. It is usually conducted shortly before the wet dress rehearsal and the hot fire test. The successful completion of spin primes indicates that the engine’s turbo pumps are functioning correctly and the system is close to being ready for a hot fire test. Typically, only a few tests remain after spin primes, making it a significant milestone in the overall testing process.
In summary, spin primes are crucial for validating the turbo pumps' functionality and are one of the last steps before the hot fire test, indicating that the engine is nearly ready for a full operational test.
Developing a rocket engine that’s ready for large-scale production is significantly more demanding than creating and firing a test article. While both processes are crucial in rocket development, the leap from prototype to production introduces a host of new challenges. Let’s explore why:
Test articles are often built using specialized, sometimes even:
In contrast, production engines must be designed with mass manufacturing in mind. This fundamental shift introduces several complex challenges:
This transition from specialized, low-volume production to mass manufacturing represents a significant engineering and logistical challenge. It requires not only a redesign of the engine itself but also the development of an entire ecosystem of cutting-edge processes, advanced tools, and specialized partnerships to support large-scale production while maintaining the high standards of quality and reliability demanded by the aerospace industry.
A test firing can be considered successful even with minor issues. Production engines, however, must perform consistently over multiple flights. This demands:
While cost is less of a concern for prototypes, production engines must be economically viable. This involves:
Test articles may operate under special exemptions, but production engines must meet stringent safety and environmental regulations. This requires:
Unlike test articles, production engines must be designed for longevity and ease of maintenance. This includes:
Production engines must seamlessly integrate with other rocket systems and ground support equipment. This necessitates:
While test articles may operate under controlled conditions, production engines must function reliably in a variety of environments. This requires:
Unlike a test article, which may be a one-off design, production engines are expected to evolve and improve over time. This involves:
In conclusion, while building and firing a test article is an impressive feat in itself, transitioning to a production-ready rocket engine introduces a new level of complexity. It requires not just engineering expertise, but also a deep understanding of manufacturing processes, regulatory environments, and long-term operational considerations. This challenging process is what separates experimental rockets from those capable of reliable, repeated launches – a crucial step in advancing space exploration and commercialization.
Even as Rocket Lab prepares to launch its new medium-class rocket, Neutron, the smaller Electron launcher will continue to play a crucial role in the company’s strategy. Here’s why:
Market Segmentation: Neutron is designed to complement Electron, not replace it. While Neutron will handle larger payloads, Electron will continue serving the small satellite market.
Growing Small Satellite Demand: The increasing need for small satellite launches aligns perfectly with Electron’s capabilities, ensuring its ongoing relevance.
Precision and Flexibility: Electron’s ability to provide dedicated launches to precise orbits on customer-defined schedules remains a valuable asset, particularly for small satellite operators.
Proven Track Record: With nearly 50 successful launches, Electron has established a reputation for reliability and performance that customers trust.
Cost-Effectiveness: For smaller payloads, Electron is likely to remain more economical than its larger counterpart.
Rapid Launch Capabilities: Electron’s frequent launch schedule and multiple launch sites, including Rocket Lab’s private facility in New Zealand, offer unique advantages.
Vertical Integration: Rocket Lab’s end-to-end space solutions benefit from having both Electron and Neutron available, catering to a wider range of customer needs.
Complementary Roles: Rocket Lab envisions a future where both rockets contribute equally to their launch business, with Neutron splitting its missions between customer payloads and the company’s own satellites.
Electron and Neutron are positioned to serve different segments of the launch market. This dual-rocket strategy allows Rocket Lab to offer a comprehensive range of services, maintaining its competitive edge in the dynamic space industry.
In the dynamic world of aerospace, strategic pivots are often necessary to align with market demands and technological advancements. Rocket Lab’s recent decision to deprioritize the reusability of its Electron rockets in favor of accelerating the development of the Neutron medium rocket is a prime example of such a strategic shift. As Rocket Lab CEO Peter Beck candidly noted in a recent interview with Payload, “The most important thing is to not interrupt the production team with new things and just keep the production rate of Electron where it needs to be to support the manifest best this year. Electron reuse is not that important to the business on a margin standpoint, or at this point, even from a technology standpoint. The reusability team and the recovery team are 100% directed and focused on other things, mainly Neutron, of course”.
Market Demand and Profit Margins: Electron rockets, while successful, primarily serve the small satellite launch market. This market, though vital, offers limited profit margins compared to the burgeoning demand for medium-lift capabilities. Neutron, designed to cater to the medium-lift market, is set to unlock significant revenue streams. By accelerating Neutron’s development, Rocket Lab is positioning itself to capture a more substantial share of this lucrative market, which is essential for long-term growth and sustainability.
Technological Advancements: The focus on Electron reusability, though innovative, does not present immediate technological or financial advantages. As stated, reusability in the Electron program is not critical from a margin or technology standpoint. Instead, resources and efforts are better invested in perfecting the Neutron rocket, which promises more considerable advancements and benefits for the company’s portfolio.
Team Focus and Efficiency: Rocket Lab’s reusability and recovery teams are now dedicated entirely to the Neutron project. This focused approach ensures that the company’s top talent and resources are utilized efficiently, driving faster and more effective development cycles. The shift in focus means less interruption to the Electron production team, allowing them to maintain optimal production rates and support existing launch manifests without additional strain.
Rocket Lab’s strategy underscores the importance of adaptability in the aerospace sector. By prioritizing the Neutron rocket, Rocket Lab is not only responding to market needs but also paving the way for future technological advancements and business growth. This decision is a testament to Rocket Lab’s forward-thinking approach and its commitment to staying ahead in a competitive industry.
Despite this shift in focus, it’s important to acknowledge the significant progress Rocket Lab has already made toward Electron reusability. The strides they have taken in this area ensure that when the time comes to revisit Electron reusability post-Neutron, it should be a relatively straightforward process. The foundation laid so far will allow Rocket Lab to efficiently integrate reusability features into the Electron program without substantial delays or resource reallocation.
In conclusion, Rocket Lab’s move to prioritize Neutron over Electron reusability makes perfect sense. It aligns with market opportunities, leverages technological advancements, and ensures efficient use of resources. As the space industry continues to evolve, Rocket Lab’s strategic pivot positions it well for continued success and innovation, with the flexibility to return to and capitalize on Electron reusability in the future.
Rocket Lab is now just days away from its 50th Electron launch. Designed to deliver payloads of up to 300 kg (661 lbs) to low Earth orbit, the Electron caters to the growing demand for small satellite launches. Achieving flexibility and innovation in a small launch vehicle is particularly challenging, often more so than with larger class launchers. Electron represents several groundbreaking innovations, and in recent years, Rocket Lab has made significant strides toward making the Electron partially reusable and adaptable for critical national security missions, solidifying its position at the forefront of the space industry.
A cornerstone of Rocket Lab’s innovation is the Rutherford engine. These engines are entirely 3D-printed, which allows for rapid manufacturing and cost reduction. The use of 3D printing technology enables the creation of complex geometries that would be difficult or impossible to achieve with traditional manufacturing methods. This innovation has significantly reduced the time and cost of engine production, making the Electron rocket both efficient and economical.
The Rutherford engines also feature electric turbopumps, a groundbreaking innovation in rocket design. Traditional rocket engines use gas-powered turbopumps to feed propellant to the combustion chamber. Rocket Lab has replaced these with battery-powered electric motors, simplifying the engine design and reducing costs. This unique approach allows for more precise control over the fuel flow and is the first instance of electric turbopumps being used in an orbital-class rocket.
The Electron rocket’s structure is made primarily of carbon composite materials. This lightweight yet strong material allows for significant weight reduction, increasing the rocket’s payload capacity. The use of carbon composites also streamlines the manufacturing process, as the rocket’s body can be fabricated in just two pieces. This material choice is crucial for reusability, as it enhances the durability and resilience of the rocket’s components.
The unique Photon kick stage is designed to provide precise orbital insertion for payloads, offering greater flexibility in mission design. This stage also serves as a platform for Rocket Lab’s own satellite missions. While not directly related to reusability, the Photon kick stage demonstrates Rocket Lab’s commitment to innovation and mission adaptability, which are essential for a sustainable and reusable launch system.
A significant milestone in Rocket Lab’s path to reusability was the successful reuse of a Rutherford engine. By recovering and refurbishing the engine from a previous mission, Rocket Lab demonstrated that critical components of the Electron rocket could be reused, paving the way for more sustainable and cost-effective launches.
The most critical step toward reusability has been the development of techniques for recovering the Electron’s first stage. Rocket Lab has successfully demonstrated the ability to recover the first stage using parachutes and ocean retrieval. This method, tailored for small launch vehicles, aims to significantly increase launch frequency and lower costs for customers.
An additional demonstration of Rocket Lab’s innovation and flexibility is the development of the High-Altitude Suborbital Testbed (HASTE). HASTE represents Rocket Lab’s ability to adapt and expand its technology for a variety of missions, providing a platform for high-altitude research and development. This testbed allows for rapid iteration and testing of new technologies, further enhancing Rocket Lab’s capabilities in the space industry.
Rocket Lab’s focus on innovation with the Electron rocket is crucial for the growing small satellite market. By integrating advanced technologies, reducing launch costs, increasing payload capacity, and offering greater mission flexibility, Rocket Lab continues to create new opportunities for satellite operators and researchers. As the demand for small satellite launches continues to grow, Rocket Lab’s advancements will play a key role in enabling a critical element of the space industry.
Due to the sensitive nature of their missions Rocket Lab HASTE launches don’t get much fanfare, but they can’t launch in complete secrecy because NOTAMS and maritime notices are still required. So given that, could low-key notices about unnamed sounding rocket launches refer to HASTE? Maybe…
Sounding rockets, often referred to as research rockets, play a crucial role in space exploration. These suborbital rockets are designed to carry scientific instruments to the upper atmosphere and near space. They provide a cost-effective and efficient means for scientists to conduct experiments and gather data from altitudes ranging between 50 to 1,500 kilometers above the Earth’s surface. This blog post delves into the world of sounding rockets and explores whether Rocket Lab’s HASTE (Hypersonic Accelerator Suborbital Test Electron) could be classified as one.
Sounding rockets are designed for scientific research and technological testing. Unlike orbital rockets that transport payloads into orbit, sounding rockets follow a suborbital trajectory, reaching the edge of space and then descending back to Earth. This trajectory allows for short-duration missions, typically lasting from a few minutes to over an hour.
Key characteristics of sounding rockets include:
Sounding rockets are used for various scientific and technological purposes, including:
Rocket Lab, a prominent aerospace company, has developed a suborbital launch vehicle named HASTE (Hypersonic Accelerator Suborbital Test Electron). While Rocket Lab is primarily known for its orbital launch services, HASTE is specifically designed for suborbital missions, raising the question of whether it can be considered a sounding rocket.
Key Features of HASTE:
Given these characteristics, HASTE shares several fundamental aspects with traditional sounding rockets. Its suborbital nature, flexibility in payload accommodation, and focus on scientific and technological testing align well with the typical use cases of sounding rockets.
Sounding rockets remain an essential tool in the arsenal of space exploration and research. They provide a unique platform for conducting experiments in the upper atmosphere and near space, offering cost-effective and timely access to scientific data. Rocket Lab’s HASTE, with its suborbital trajectory and versatility, can indeed be considered a modern sounding rocket, bridging the gap between traditional research rockets and advanced hypersonic testing platforms.
As the field of space exploration continues to evolve, sounding rockets like HASTE will play a pivotal role in advancing our understanding of the universe and developing cutting-edge technologies for future missions. Whether for atmospheric research, technology testing, or hypersonic experiments, the legacy of sounding rockets continues to propel humanity’s quest for knowledge and innovation.
I asked Claude Opus to explain why Rocket Lab’s choice of carbon composite construction for their Neutron rocket makes sense for their specific application. SpaceX has famously chosen stainless steel for their Starship rocket, and many people assume that the use cases for the material and vehicles are the same. However, the vehicles and their flight profiles are very different. The links were added by me.
Rocket Lab’s decision to use carbon composites for their Neutron rocket is a testament to their deep expertise in this cutting-edge material and their understanding of its unique advantages for their specific design and mission requirements.
One of the key reasons Rocket Lab can leverage carbon composites for the Neutron rocket is the fact that its first stage is not subjected to the same extreme heating and forces as SpaceX’s Starship. The Starship is designed for deep space missions and must withstand the intense heat and pressures of atmospheric re-entry from orbital velocities. In contrast, the Neutron rocket’s first stage is designed for a more conventional launch and recovery profile, similar to SpaceX’s Falcon 9.
This means that the Neutron’s first stage will not experience the same level of thermal stress during its descent and landing. As a result, carbon composites, which offer exceptional strength-to-weight ratio and durability, are more than capable of handling the forces and temperatures the Neutron will encounter.
Moreover, Rocket Lab brings a wealth of experience and expertise in carbon composite manufacturing to the table. The company has been using carbon composites in their Electron rocket since its inception, and they have developed proprietary techniques for producing lightweight and robust components.
Rocket Lab’s proficiency in carbon composites extends beyond just the manufacturing process. They have also invested heavily in research and development to optimize the design and performance of their composite structures. This includes advanced simulation and testing to ensure that the Neutron’s components can withstand the rigors of launch and recovery.
By leveraging their unique expertise in carbon composites, Rocket Lab can create a highly optimized and efficient first stage for the Neutron rocket. The lightweight nature of carbon composites allows for significant weight savings compared to traditional materials, which translates to increased payload capacity and improved launch economics.
Furthermore, Rocket Lab’s experience with carbon composites enables them to design and manufacture the Neutron’s first stage with reusability in mind. The company has already demonstrated their ability to recover and refurbish the Electron rocket’s composite components, and they plan to apply this knowledge to the Neutron. The inherent durability and resistance to fatigue of carbon composites make them ideal for reusable rocket parts, as they can maintain their structural integrity over multiple launches.
In summary, Rocket Lab’s choice of carbon composites for the Neutron rocket is a strategic decision based on their deep expertise in this material and the specific design and mission requirements of the Neutron. By leveraging the unique properties of carbon composites and their proven track record in manufacturing and reusability, Rocket Lab is well-positioned to create a highly capable and efficient launch vehicle that will drive innovation in the commercial space industry.
Liquid rocket engines are marvels of engineering, harnessing immense power to propel vehicles into space. However, the journey from initial design to successful flight is a long and rigorous one, with comprehensive testing at its core. Let’s explore the end-to-end process of liquid rocket engine testing, from facility planning to component tests, engine integration, and stage qualification.
Before the first engine component can be tested, extensive planning and facility preparations must be completed:
With the necessary infrastructure in place, the real work of engine testing can begin.
The first step in the testing process focuses on individual engine components such as pumps, preburners, gas generators, injectors, and thrust chambers.
With each component thoroughly validated, the focus shifts to demonstrating the integrated operation of the full engine assembly.
Engine system testing is a major milestone, but one more level of integration remains before the engine can be considered flight-ready.
The last step in the testing process involves integrating the engine with its propellant tanks and feed system to mimic the final flight configuration.
Successful completion of stage qualification testing is a major achievement, signifying that the engine is ready to be integrated with its launch vehicle.
Comprehensive testing across components, engines, and stages is the key to delivering reliable liquid rocket engines:
The journey from initial engine concept to flight readiness is a long and challenging one, but it is guided at every step by a commitment to rigorous testing. By laying the groundwork with well-equipped facilities, validating each component and subassembly, and progressively integrating the engine into its final configuration, engineers can deliver the reliable propulsion systems needed to power the next generation of space exploration. The culmination of this journey is a powerful moment: watching a meticulously tested engine roar to life on the launch pad, ready to carry its payload to the stars.
We’re getting closer to operationalizing regular sea-based launch:
The Defense Innovation Unit selected The Spaceport Company to demonstrate the ability to use a sea-based launch platform to quickly send cargo or satellites to orbit.
The company, headquartered in Woodbridge, Virginia, builds floating launch pads that could allow commercial companies or the Defense Department to fly payloads offshore. The concept is particularly relevant amid unprecedented launch rates, which are increasingly causing congestion at U.S. ranges.
“A sea-based launch platform is a strategically significant capability that increases equatorial launch access while enabling responsive launch coordination and avoiding high-traffic airspace,”
I’ve said it before, but this looks like a perfect platform for Rocket Lab’s Electron.
Japanese billionaire Yusaku Maezawa has cancelled his highly anticipated dearMoon mission, which aimed to be the first private flight around the moon. The decision came due to delays and uncertainty surrounding the development of Starship, making the original 2023 launch timeline unfeasible. Maezawa apologized to his supporters and the selected crew, including notable celebrities, for the cancellation.
The small launch market has experienced significant growth and innovation in recent years, with companies like Rocket Lab leading the charge. As the demand for small satellite launches continues to increase, vertical integration has emerged as a essential strategy for players in this space to survive and thrive. Vertical integration involves a company controlling multiple stages of the supply chain, from component manufacturing to launch services and satellite operations. This post explores why vertical integration is essential for companies in the small launch market, using Rocket Lab as a prime example.
One of the primary reasons for vertical integration in the small launch market is to ensure a reliable and stable supply chain. By manufacturing critical components in-house, companies like Rocket Lab maintain tight control over quality, availability, and pricing. This is particularly important for niche components with limited suppliers or long lead times. Vertical integration minimizes the risks associated with supply chain disruptions, such as delays or quality issues, which can have severe consequences in the fast-paced and competitive space industry.
Vertical integration enables small launch providers to reduce costs and improve efficiency. By owning and controlling multiple stages of their space systems supply chain, companies can eliminate markup costs associated with third-party suppliers and streamline operations. Rocket Lab, for example, has invested heavily in advanced manufacturing techniques, such as 3D printing and carbon composites, to produce high-quality components at a lower cost and with shorter lead times. This approach allows the company to offer competitive pricing to its customers while maintaining healthy profit margins.
Another key advantage of vertical integration is the ability to offer customized solutions to customers. Small satellite operators often have unique requirements for their missions, such as specific orbital parameters or timeline constraints. By controlling the entire launch process, from component manufacturing to mission planning and execution, vertically integrated launch providers can offer a higher degree of flexibility and customization to meet the needs of their customers. This level of service is particularly valuable in the small launch market, where customers are often working on innovative and niche applications.
As the small satellite industry grows, many companies are looking to deploy and operate their own constellations for applications like Earth observation, communications, or IoT services. Vertically integrated launch providers are well-positioned to support these customers by offering end-to-end solutions, from satellite manufacturing to launch services and on-orbit operations.
Rocket Lab has significantly advanced its vertical integration by expanding capabilities beyond launch services. The company has developed a range of satellite platforms, including the Photon and other satellite buses, which can serve as customizable bases for various payloads and missions. These satellite buses provide a comprehensive solution, enabling customers to focus on their specific mission objectives while Rocket Lab handles satellite manufacturing and integration processes. The acquisition of Sinclair Interplanetary, a leading provider of high-quality satellite components and subsystems, further strengthens Rocket Lab’s vertical integration strategy. By incorporating Sinclair’s expertise and products, Rocket Lab enhances its ability to deliver reliable and cost-effective satellite solutions.
Moreover, vertically integrated companies like Rocket Lab can deliver turnkey constellations, including fully managed services, to customers without the typical revenue stacking and complexity associated with multiple vendors. This streamlined approach reduces barriers to entry for organizations looking to leverage small satellite constellations, making it easier and more affordable to access space-based services and data.
Vertical integration presents an opportunity for small launch providers to disrupt the Earth observation (EO) and low Earth orbit (LEO) services market. By controlling the entire value chain, from satellite manufacturing to data delivery, vertically integrated companies can offer more affordable and accessible solutions to a wider range of customers. This is particularly relevant in the EO market, where traditional providers have relied on large, expensive satellites with long development cycles. Companies like Rocket Lab, with their ability to manufacture and launch small satellites quickly and cost-effectively, can democratize access to EO data and services, enabling new applications and business models.
Vertical integration is a critical strategy for companies in the small launch market to survive and succeed. By controlling multiple stages of the supply chain, companies like Rocket Lab ensure supply chain stability, reduce costs, improve efficiency, offer customized solutions, and support the deployment and operation of revenue-generating constellations. The ability to deliver turnkey solutions, including managed constellation services, strengthens the value proposition of vertically integrated launch providers. As the small satellite industry evolves, vertically integrated companies will be well-positioned to capture new opportunities and disrupt traditional markets, providing end-to-end solutions from component manufacturing to on-orbit operations.
One of the reasons I aggregate the Neutron slides in posts like this one is that it helps quickly assess the scale and pace of development. Here’s a great example showing the state of the Archimedes engine in the late February investor update and then again today. That is a massive difference in just over two months.
February 27, 2024
And May 6, 2024
Rocket Lab has posted photos of Archimedes on the test stand at Stennis. I’ve highlighted the location (in green) on this Google earth view.
Terran R won’t be ready but they expect to have a credible path to flight by next year:
Relativity was initially aiming to compete for the first round of NSSL Phase 3 contracts expected to be awarded later this year. However, the California-based company’s new Terran R rocket won’t fly until 2026 at the earliest, which falls outside the timeframe for this year’s NSSL Phase 3 awards.
“We’ve been fairly transparent with our schedule over the last year and have continued to hit our milestones,” Joshua Brost, vice president of business development at Relativity Space, told SpaceNews. “We’re very comfortable about on-ramping to NSSL in the future, likely next year as we approach that 12 months from initial launch.”
Rocket Lab, a leading small satellite launch provider, has announced a major milestone in its quest to make its Electron rocket the world’s first reusable small orbital launch vehicle. Here are the key points:
The company has made iterative modifications across multiple recovery missions to perfect the recovery process, including:
If the stage passes final acceptance and qualification testing, Rocket Lab will consider opportunities for reflying it in the new year.
This milestone marks an exciting step forward in Rocket Lab’s efforts to increase launch cadence and reduce costs through the reuse of Electron’s first stage. The payload for the potential reflight will be announced following the completion of final testing.
An interesting play by Lockheed - and a new company to keep an eye on:
Helicity Space, a California startup developing fusion engines for spaceflight, announced an investment April 2 from Lockheed Martin Ventures.
While the parties declined to reveal the value of the investment, Lockheed Martin’s backing is important because it’s one of the “strategic partners that will matter over the next 10 years,” Helicity co-founder Stephane Lintner told SpaceNews.
Other strategic partners include Airbus Ventures and Voyager Space Holdings, two of the investors in Helicity’s seed funding round announced in December.
I’ve added Helicity to my growing (but far from complete) directory of New Space companies.
Mission name: Beginning Of The Swarm
Launch Vehicle: Electron
Launch Site: Launch Complex 1
NZT Launch Window: 10:00, April 24, 2024
UTC Launch Window: 22:00, April 23, 2024
ET Launch Window: 18:00, April 23, 2024
PT Launch Window: 15:00, April 23, 2024
Mission Overview: Rocket Lab’s ‘Beginning Of The Swarm’ mission is set to launch from New Zealand during a 14-day window starting on April 24th. The Electron rocket will carry two satellites for separate customers: NEONSAT-1, an Earth observation satellite developed by SaTReC and KAIST, and NASA’s Advanced Composite Solar Sail System (ACS3).
NEONSAT-1, the primary payload, is designed to monitor natural disasters along the Korean Peninsula using high-resolution optical imagery and artificial intelligence. The secondary payload, NASA’s ACS3, will demonstrate new materials and deployable structures for solar sail propulsion systems, which use sunlight for propulsion instead of conventional rocket propellant. The solar sail will measure approximately 30 feet per side when unfurled, and the flight data will be used to design future larger-scale composite solar sail systems for various space missions.
Live Stream: rocketlabusa.com/livestream
For Additional Updates: Follow Rocket Lab’s official Facebook and Twitter accounts.
2024 is going to be an extremely busy year as Rocket Lab pushes to get Neutron on the pad by December. I may not be able to capture every update, but I will at least pull all the official slides and key tweets together in one place. You can also track other Neutron updates on the blog here. For the updates from 2021 through 2023 see this post.
October 27, 2024 | Madison Reidy’s Deep Dive on Neutron
September 29, 2024 | Video and Tweets by Rocket Lab
August 15, 2024 | Tweet by Rocket Lab
August 8, 2024 | Q2 2024 Investor Update
August 8, 2024 | Tweet by Peter Beck
July 25, 2024 | Tweet by Rocket Lab
July 13, 2024 | Tweet by Peter Beck
July 3, 2024 | Tweet by Peter Beck
July 3, 2024 | Tweet by Peter Beck
June 11, 2024 | Tweet by Rocket Lab
May 17, 2024 | Tweet by Rocket Lab
May 7, 2024 | Tweets by Rocket Lab
May 6, 2024 | Q1 2024 Investor Update
May 6, 2024 | Tweet by Rocket Lab
April 22, 2024 | Tweets by Rocket Lab
March 18, 2024 | Tweets by Rocket Lab
February 27, 2024 | Q4 & Full Year 2023 Investor Update
Space assets are the most important enabler, and most significant vulnerability, in a superpower conflict. The U.S. government knows it and It’s why we have the Space Force and organizations like SDA. But while we are starting to scale and support a surging New Space industry China can, in some respects, surge faster:
China is growing its military capabilities in space at a “breathtaking pace” to counter the American satellites in orbit and improve its ability to monitor and target forces on Earth, according to the head of the US Space Command.
America’s top strategic challenger is seeking to develop advanced space weaponry and making advances in satellite meteorology, human spaceflight and robotic space exploration, General Stephen Whiting said during a hearing Thursday of the Senate Armed Services Committee.
We still hold the advantage but we could lose it surprisingly quickly if we don’t properly prioritize space. The coming decades will require the same level of focus and investment in the domain that we have poured into naval and air power. The time to build the infrastructure for rapid industrialized production and delivery of space assets is now. Thankfully we’re doing that with responsive space initiatives at companies like Rocket Lab, Terran Orbital, and Firefly. It’s a start, but we will need to do more.
Mission name: Owl Night Long
Launch Vehicle: Electron
Launch Site: Launch Complex 1
NZDT Launch Window: 04:03, March 13 2024
UTC Launch Window: 15:03, March 12 2024
ET Launch Window: 11:03, March 12 2024
PT Launch Window: 08:03, March 12 2024
Mission Overview: ‘Owl Night Long’ is scheduled to deploy the StriX-3 satellite for Synspective, aimed at enhancing Earth observation capabilities with Synthetic Aperture Radar technology. This mission continues the collaboration between Rocket Lab and Synspective, expanding their SAR satellite constellation.
Live Stream: rocketlabusa.com/livestream
For Additional Updates: Follow Rocket Lab’s official Facebook and Twitter accounts.
It’s time to kick off the 2024 mission season!
Mission name: Four Of A Kind
Launch Vehicle: Electron
Launch Site Launch Complex 1
NZDT Launch Window: 19:15 – 20:00, Jan. 31 2024
UTC Launch Window: 06:15 – 07:00, Jan. 31 2024
ET Launch Window: 01:15 – 02:00, Jan. 31 2024
PT Launch Window: 22:15 – 23:00, Jan. 30 2024
Mission Overview: ‘Four Of A Kind’ is a dedicated mission for Spire Global Inc and its customer NorthStar Earth & Space, marking Rocket Lab’s first Electron launch of 2024 and their 43rd Electron mission. The mission will deploy four Space Situational Awareness (SSA) satellites built and operated by Spire for NorthStar. These satellites will be the first to simultaneously monitor all near-Earth orbits from space, providing advanced SSA services for space object detection, tracking, orbit determination, collision avoidance, navigation, and proximity alerts.
Press Kit: PDF Download
Live Stream: rocketlabusa.com/livestream
For Additional Updates: Follow Rocket Lab’s official Facebook and Twitter accounts.
