Rocket Lab

Rocket Lab is an American aerospace company that constructs and launches space rockets and satellite equipment. It was founded in New Zealand in 2006 by Peter Beck, a self-taught rocket engineer.

Rocket Lab builds and launches one rocket that can reach a stable orbit: Electron. They are currently designing a larger rocket called Neutron. Governments, companies, and organizations can purchase launches from Rocket Lab.

 Electron 
Electron is a small-lift launch vehicle capable of carrying up to 300 kg (661 lbs) into a low Earth orbit. It was designed to carry small satellites into space for companies and governments that do not need a larger rocket.Because of its small size, it is relatively cheap to launch, costing only US$ 6,000,000. It was first launched in 2017 from Rocket Lab's Mahia Launch Complex in New Zealand. It completed its 50th launch in June of 2024.

Rocket Lab currently picks up the first stage of the rocket after it falls into the ocean. They clean up the body, which is made of a carbon composite, and use the body in their other rockets. The company was even able to catch the first stage with a helicopter, which they plan to re-use. This directly caught booster will require less maintenance than an ocean splashdown. 

 Neutron 
Neutron is a partially re-usable medium-lift launch vehicle currently being tested. It will be capable of carrying up to 13,000 kg (28,660 lb) to a low Earth orbit, 1,800 kg (3,968 lb) to a geostationary orbit, and 1,500 kg (3306 lb) to the planets Mars or Venus. It was designed to carry satellites, cargo, and even people into space. The rocket's first stage is re-usable because it can land on an unmanned boat in the ocean. If the launch customer has a lighter payload, the rocket can even land at the launch site where it lifted off. Neutron's fairing, the part that keeps the payload safe during liftoff, is also recovered (unlike most other rockets), which makes it even easier to re-use.

References

Category:Companies of the United States