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.