A rocket designed to launch satellites into mega constellations and support space missions helmed by humans is under development by New Zealand- and U.S.-based Rocket Lab. The advanced 8 metric ton payload Neutron launch vehicle builds on the experience gained with the Electron booster used to successfully launch satellites with 300 kg payloads into orbit.

The new medium-lift Neutron rocket will be a two-stage, 40 m tall launch vehicle designed with a lift capacity Neutron will be more than twice the height of Electron, its predecessor. Source: Rocket Labof up to 8 metric tons to low-Earth orbit, 2 metric tons to the moon and 1.5 metric tons to Mars and Venus. A reusable first stage is being engineered to land on an ocean platform, enabling a high launch cadence and decreased launch costs for customers.

The maiden launch for the Neutron is scheduled for 2024 from Virginia’s Mid-Atlantic Regional Spaceport located at the NASA Wallops Flight Facility.