Rocket Lab Unveils Archimedes Engine for Neutron Rocket
Rocket Lab's Neutron rocket, set to replace Electron, features eight Archimedes engines with a combined thrust of 1.5 million pounds. The launch of Neutron is now anticipated in the first half of 2026 after delays due to a tank rupture during testing.
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Rocket Lab's Neutron rocket will utilize eight Archimedes engines on its first stage, providing a thrust of approximately 6.7 meganewtons. A ninth engine, the AVac variant, will power the second stage with a thrust 1.2 times greater than the first stage’s engines.
A successful static test of the AVac took place on July 13 at Stennis Space Center, simulating launch conditions for over 5.5 minutes. Originally scheduled for late 2025, Neutron's launch has been postponed to the first half of 2026 due to a fuel tank rupture during pressure testing. The Neutron's unique second stage design allows for payload deployment in a shell-like structure, termed the 'hungry hippo' system.
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