Rocket Lab showcased an updated design for its Neutron mid-range rocket. It is made of carbon composite materials and is 7 meters wide at the base.

Neutron tapers towards the top. This design is designed to reduce the thermal loads on the vehicle upon entry into the atmosphere.

The rocket's payload fairing is not released during launch, but expands into four parts. Neutron produces a lightweight consumable booster with a payload before it closes. The spacecraft will be able to launch 8,000 kg into low-earth orbit while maintaining the first stage, or up to 15,000 kg if the first stage is separated.

The Archimedes rocket engine uses methane and liquid oxygen as fuel. The first stage will have seven engines, while the upper stage will have one engine optimized for vacuum.

The first stage itself has been redesigned so that it can be used for the next launch within 24 hours of landing. She will return to the launch pad and not to the floating barge.

Other companies, such as SpaceX, have ditched composite materials in rockets due to their high cost compared to metals such as stainless steel. However, Rocket Lab claims that the 3D printing technology it uses has made it cheaper to manufacture components.

The company plans to launch its first rocket in 2024. It is now choosing a launch site, a manufacturing plant and a test center for an engine on the east coast of the US.

Rocket Lab has also begun negotiations with potential customers, including those planning to deploy satellite constellations. Beck mentioned interest from the US Space Force, which gave Rocket Lab $ 24.3 million in September to work on the Neutron Upper Stage.

Beck declined to name the starting price of the Neutron, but said it was competitive in its class ...

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