Rocket Lab Successfully Fires Archimedes Engine for the First Time
Credit: Rocket Lab
Rocket Lab, a pioneering space launch company, has achieved a significant milestone in its pursuit of developing the Neutron reusable rocket. The company recently announced the successful completion of the first static-fire test of its Archimedes engine at NASA’s Stennis Space Center in Mississippi.
The test, conducted earlier this month, saw the methane/liquid oxygen engine operating at an impressive 102% of its rated power, marking a crucial step in the development of the Neutron rocket. Peter Beck, Rocket Lab’s chief executive, emphasized that the engine used in the test was a "flight-ready" version, breaking from the convention of utilizing downscaled or early-stage prototypes. This decision reflects Rocket Lab's commitment to expediting the development process for Archimedes.
Beck further elaborated on the road ahead, stating, "From here it is about dialing the engine in, building a bunch more of them and getting them rolling off the production line." The Archimedes engine, designed to produce 165,000 pounds-force of thrust, is slated to power the Neutron—a medium-class reusable rocket that aims to compete with industry heavyweights like SpaceX's Falcon 9.
The successful completion of the hot-fire test has bolstered Rocket Lab's confidence in maintaining its schedule to have the Neutron ready for its inaugural launch by the middle of 2025. Beck articulated, "Our approach here was to put the flight engine on the stand and take it to full power. That buys down just all the risk. There’s still obviously qualification of the engine to go but certainly that gives us a lot of confidence to move forward."
In addition to the engine development, Rocket Lab is making substantial progress on Launch Complex 3, the Neutron launch pad at Virginia’s Mid Atlantic Regional Spaceport, and a final assembly facility for the rocket nearby. Meanwhile, the company's existing rocket, Electron, has maintained an impressive cadence with nine successful launches thus far this year and plans for additional launches in the pipeline.
The achievements come against the backdrop of Rocket Lab's robust financial performance, with the company reporting a quarterly record revenue of $106.3 million in the second quarter, marking a 71% increase from the same quarter in 2022. Despite a net loss of $41.6 million, the company remains optimistic about its future endeavors, with Beck expressing confidence in being able to support 15 to 18 Electron launches by the end of the year.
Rocket Lab's significant progress and strong financial performance underscore its growing position in the competitive space launch industry, setting the stage for further advancements and breakthroughs in the coming years.
Original article: https://spacenews.com/rocket-lab-fires-archimedes-engine-for-the-first-time/
