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3w ago

Rocket Lab Secures U.S. Air Force Contract for 2026 Rocket Cargo Mission

The Neutron rocket will test reusability and rapid global cargo delivery under the AFRL's experimental program.

Artist depiction of Neutron delivering a payload.
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Overview

  • Rocket Lab's Neutron rocket has been selected for the U.S. Air Force Research Laboratory's Rocket Cargo program, with a mission planned no earlier than 2026.
  • The mission will serve as a survivability experiment, testing Neutron's ability to safely re-enter Earth's atmosphere and deploy payloads.
  • Neutron, designed to lift up to 13,000 kilograms to low Earth orbit, remains on schedule for its inaugural launch in 2025 from Wallops Island, Virginia.
  • Rocket Lab is also competing in the National Security Space Launch Phase 3 Lane 1 program, which includes at least 30 missions valued at $5.6 billion through 2029.
  • The company has already received a $5 million task order for initial mission assurance activities related to its NSSL eligibility.