Rocket Lab Aims for 1,000th Rutherford Engine Launch as Neutron Development Progresses

Rocket Lab plans to achieve 1,000 launches of its Rutherford engine by the end of 2026, having already flown over 800. The Rutherford engine, known for being the first 3D printed, electric pump-fed orbital rocket engine, supports the company's next-generation Neutron vehicle, powered by the new Archimedes engine. Rocket Lab is enhancing its additive manufacturing capabilities through a partnership with Nikon SLM Solutions and is developing infrastructure for Neutron's launch site in Virginia.

Published Mar 26, 2026

Rocket Lab has flown over 800 Rutherford engines and aims for a total of 1,000 launches by 2026. The Rutherford engine, notable for its 3D printed components, powers the Electron launch vehicle. Each Electron uses nine engines, translating to nearly 90 launch vehicles' worth of propulsion.

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The upcoming Archimedes engine for the Neutron vehicle will also utilize 3D printing and is designed for high reusability, targeting 20 launches per engine. Rocket Lab is testing Archimedes at NASA's Stennis Space Center in Mississippi while production continues in Long Beach, California.

The company has partnered with Nikon SLM Solutions to enhance its additive manufacturing capabilities. Infrastructure for Neutron's launch site in Virginia is also under development.