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Rocket Lab Electron (Neutron planned)

Rocket Lab · Reusable Launch Vehicle (Booster) · USA · Digital Age (2010–present)

Rocket Lab Electron (Neutron planned) — Reusable Launch Vehicle (Booster)
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Electron is a two-stage, expendable orbital launch vehicle developed by Rocket Lab, a publicly traded aerospace manufacturer and launch service provider. Servicing the commercial small satellite launch market, it is the third most launched small-lift launch vehicle in history. Its Rutherford engines are the first electric-pump-fed engine to power an orbital-class rocket. Electron is often flown with a kickstage or Rocket Lab's Photon spacecraft. Although the rocket was designed to be expendable, Rocket Lab has recovered the first stage twice and is working towards the capability of reusing the booster. The Flight 26 (F26) booster has featured the first helicopter catch recovery attempt. Rocket Lab has, however, abandoned the idea of catching Electron.

Specifications

Category
Space
Sub-Category
Launch Vehicle
Domain
Dual-Use
Era
Digital Age (2010–present)
Country
USA
Manufacturer
Rocket Lab
Co-Manufacturer
United States
Operator
Rocket Lab / commercial
Primary Role
Reusable Launch Vehicle (Booster)
Status
In Service
Service Entry
2018
Propulsion
Electric
Engine
9x Rutherford LOX/RP-1 electric turbopump engines
Thrust / Power
192,000 lbf
Launch
Ground/Sea
Length (ft)
59.1
Wingspan (ft)
3.9
Payload (lb)
661
Service Ceiling (ft)
500000
Max Speed (mph)
17000
Max Speed (Mach)
23