Rocket Lab wins $8 million U.S. Air Force contract for engine development

WASHINGTON — Space company Rocket Lab secured an $8 million contract from the U.S. Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) to advance digital engineering processes for its Archimedes rocket engine, the company announced Nov. 12

 Under the agreement, Rocket Lab will demonstrate digital engineering techniques for Archimedes, the rocket engine that will power Neutron, a new reusable medium-lift launch vehicle projected to launch in 2025.

Rocket Lab said the contract signals the military’s interest in Neutron as a prospective vehicle for government missions in the National Security Space Launch (NSSL) program.

“This project supports smoother integration of Neutron to the NSSL program,” Rocket Lab CEO Peter Beck said in a statement. 

Rocket Lab recently confirmed it plans to bid for NSSL Phase 3 Lane 1 missions open to new entrant providers.

While Rocket Lab dominates the small launcher market with its Electron rocket, the company has invested in developing the larger Neutron to meet growing demand from satellite constellation operators and from the U.S. military.

The Archimedes engine, which uses liquid oxygen and methane propellants, will power both stages of Neutron, designed to carry up to 13,000 kg to low Earth orbit.

AFRL program leader Frank Friedl said the project advances the lab’s efforts to “develop a digital engineering technology ecosystem that reduces cost, schedule, and risk throughout Space Force programs.”

The contract includes options to expand digital engineering across Neutron’s propulsion system and further build a digital engineering framework for NSSL Phase 3 Lane 1 providers.

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