Neutron Rocket | Development Update

Meet Neutron. Building on Rocket Lab’s proven experience developing the Electron launch vehicle, the advanced 8-ton payload class Neutron launch vehicle is designed to transform space access by delivering reliable and cost-effective launch services for satellite mega-constellations, deep space missions and human spaceflight.

[@thejesuschrist]

The Gospel of Neutron according to Saint Peter. Very exciting! Let's go Rocket Lab!

[@joelallen8425]

How are you verified as Jesus Christ?

[@air_]

@@joelallen8425 Because he's Jesus

[@joelallen8425]

@@air_ makes sense…

[@Nikenik2001]

Praise be!

[@vernonkroark]

Jesus approves of Rocket Lab.

[@kommandantgalileo]

This will be a exciting century for space exploration, good luck guys.

[@andrewmorris483]

*will be

[@kommandantgalileo]

@@andrewmorris483 heh, bad grammar

[@damirderek8827]

Thats why I am buying stocks of space companies 💪💪💪

[@Jens.Krabbe]

Pretty annoying these future humans coming back and hinting at our future.

[@kommandantgalileo]

@John Houbolt dude, get some help.

[@zollotech]

Love that there are private competing rocket companies. Hope it works as well as they show.

[@Itsforster]

Public

[@raginranga3494]

Very exciting

[@filip9564]

@@Itsforster rocketlab is public as in publicly traded, but he meant private companies as in companies owned by people and not the goverment

[@notovertaken8330]

Capitalism is a driving force for development, far more than socialisim.

[@fubar12345]

@@notovertaken8330 You speak the truth 👍

[@betterchapter]

I was on the edge the whole time, expecting that thing to hit Peter while he nonchalantly kept turning his back to it. :)

[@albert_the_cool8092]

same

[@brownstone43]

They cut away right before the Beam took him out.

[@albert_the_cool8092]

@@brownstone43 had to clone him just for those shots lmao

[@brownstone43]

@@albert_the_cool8092 For SpaceX's sake, i hope there are no beams floating around in the atmosphere

[@andtri716]

same

[@emilromano]

The fairing reuse made my jaw drop, such a simple idea, yet genius! Go Rocket Lab!

[@Deserrto]

😂😂😂😂😂

[@PaddyPatrone]

007 had it first 😉

[@ChevTecGroup]

Its gonna be a decent weight penalty which will hurt efficiency, but we really need more robust re-useable rockets. The re-useability makes up for the loss of efficiency

[@Steph.98114]

@@ChevTecGroup why would it be a weight penalty? You need fairings, keeping them makes very little difference.

[@ChevTecGroup]

@@Steph.98114 well you are adding actuators and hinge points. Also it will depend a lot on the flight profile because they are usually kept til partway through the flight of the second stage. So it will be interesting to see what percentage of V the first stage gets to before separation. As the second stage will have to be released at an altitude that has less atmosphere than most rockets do because the payload will be immediately exposed.

[@regolith1350]

This looks awesome. I also like the very confident tone he’s adopted and the subtle competitive shade he’s throwing at other launchers: stainless steel and barge landings (SpaceX), challenges & slow speed of metal 3-D printing (Relativity), and “when we say we’re gonna do something, we do it” (Blue Origin). This is real competition and it’s a good thing for the industry.

[@YeOldeTraveller]

Multiple approaches to the same problem will demonstrate the best solution. And it is possible to have multiple sustainable solutions. Each will have strengths and weaknesses. The future is bright for space launch. I wish them all good fortune.

[@apostolakisl]

Whatever the payload is, if you land down range, it will be more, no matter if you are SpaceX or Rocketlab. I bet you anything that, assuming Neutron gets into service, they will eventually start landing on barges so they can get their payload up without expending the rocket.

[@joansparky4439]

@@apostolakisl he might need to eat another hat by the time this happens ;-)

[@manofsan]

Beck has already beaten Bezos to orbit through Electron. I wonder if he can get a crew contract before ISS gets shut down. How can Neutron be adapted for crewed flight? Will they have to replace the fairing section with a space capsule, or could the capsule just sit inside the fairing?

[@regolith1350]

@@apostolakisl perhaps not as much as you think. Because the fairing is attached to the booster, stage separation & fairing “jettison” occur simultaneously. That means it needs to have gotten as high above the atmosphere as possible prior to stage sep, which means the first stage flight profile might be more straight up and less down range than for other rockets. This reduces the penalty for a return to launch site, and also reduces the benefit of a downrange barge landing.

[@kamel3d]

There lot of subtle take on spaceX in this video 😂 but I love it I hope this wont take much time before I see it flying

[@PresidentialWinner]

Subtle? He is the opposite of subtle. I like it. He needs those balls if he is going to go against Musk.

[@pownder]

@@PresidentialWinner don't think he's going against Musk, yet.

[@ubberJakerz]

Not subtle in the slightest lmao

[@GowthamV07]

@@PresidentialWinner SpaceX is in another league. This is just 8 tons to orbit.

[@dr.bright1342]

@@GowthamV07 well yes, but they're using carbon fiber. And full advantage of 3d printing tech. If this rocket is cheaper than Falcon 9, while being lighter and more easily reused. Then, that's actually going to be pretty competitive. I am skeptical, and I'm pretty sure that there's going to be a design change. But, they will build the rocket.

[@eliharman]

SpaceX may be way out ahead of the pack, but they still leave a lot of room to compete. It's just nice to see someone else aiming to fill it for a change, and coming up with new, innovative, ideas of their own. GG Rocket Lab!

[@ancaplanaoriginal5303]

rocket lab is not competing with spaceX, they are filling two different markets.

[@mugshotmarley]

Their fairing design is brilliant. Keeping them attached and hinged instead of completely ejecting them from the rocket like SpaceX, who then had to create its own recovery design using ships, etc.

[@graullas8981]

@@ancaplanaoriginal5303 Yeah, talk about Transporter missions

[@Battleneter]

If you mean way out in front as in catching up to NASA in the 1960's then sure :)

[@1lubo1]

@@Battleneter Then this video is just a bunch of words, nothing else. I don't believe these all people here are hyping over it for free, they must be paid. Saying stuff like it's going to be better than spaceX... jeez, first maybe achieve what Musk has achieved, then talk like this. "This fairing idea is brilliant and simple!" - yeah, sure, but let's first see it working in REAL LIFE, not a video presentation and the presenter's mind.

[@benjaminsmith4058]

I love the fact that we now literally have advertisements for rockets - this is definitely the future!!! I can't wait for the, "For your next suborbital flight, think carbon, think comfort, think Rocket Labs."

[@AshishSinghPaL777]

😁😁😁

[@valrossenOliver]

No, this is the present! It is today! 👍

[@travis06]

Love it!

[@projectdeveloper9311]

I would actually think of buying a seat with such advertisements.

[@hhn2002]

"Thank you for flying Rocket labs! we hope to see you again"

[@SkulShurtugalTCG]

What an amazing presentation from Peter. I can't wait to see Neutron in action in just a few years! This is an exciting day for Rocket Lab!

[@TheHat--Man]

True

[@imrich9349]

2050 rocket 😂 What a terrible joke

[@brianbagnall3029]

This presentation is phenomenal.

[@TexanUSMC8089]

@@imrich9349 Why is that a joke? Most companies are still launching rockets not much different than rockets from 50+ years ago. 2050 is only 29 years away.

[@paddygora8413]

@@TexanUSMC8089 if it were Space X's concept it would be flying in 10 years. SpaceX has greater vision than this though.

[@jayjacobs2173]

Suspending the 2nd stage in tension is brilliant. Also love making the fairing part of the first stage. Awesome innovations.

[@joephi99]

I absolutely love Rocket Lab‘s presentations. Clear, crisp to the point and incredibly cool!

[@Hiperruimteindustriee]

I didn't think any modern rocket designs could look more classic cartoony than starship, I stand corrected. This is gonna be awesome!

[@juliuszkocinski7478]

Hmmm Does new Starship really look that Caroony? I would say it peaked in this regard when it was called BFR (I mean this vesrion of design)

[@Hiperruimteindustriee]

@@juliuszkocinski7478 Currently it only looks a bit cartoony-ish, Neutron just looks more cartoony.

[@vipondiu]

That ramming segment is going to be gold for the meme makers... Best of luck with Neutron it looks very promising. As always, RocketLab thinking outside the box!

[@ElanLift]

Nice and cool under that CyberShade...

[@RandomCommentDue]

@SciFi Author B.L. Alley Not really, its a good demonstration of how carbon composites are stronger than steel given the same weight of material. Before you mention starship, remember the switch from carbon composite to stainless steel was enabled by SpaceX being willing to accept an ~40t penalty in dry mass increase (carbon ITS was 80t, Starship is 120t)

[@FutureMartian97]

@@RandomCommentDue Stainless also gets stronger at cryo temps, Carbon composite doesn't.

[@Wrangler-fp4ei]

@@RandomCommentDue Question of the day is if it's used beyond orbit. He was talking about inter planetary missions. Wasn't there concern about radiation breaking down carbon composites?

[@akira28shima32]

Perhaps that carbon fiber are loaded with micro fractures under X-ray??

[@SoumilSahu]

I'm a SpaceX fan and I LOL'd at the little jabs thrown at some of their design choices. Thank you Rocket Lab, I'm super excited for Neutron!

[@ozzyfromspace]

This is the first time one of these presentations has made me feel something in a while. I'm really hyped for Rocket Lab! 🚀☮️🎊

[@DrewQuinton]

honestly my favorite part is reloading a new second stage and payload in one go. Because the second stage "hangs" inside of the first, you can do the payload mating in advance and then drop the whole thing in when the first stage gets back. It's awesome.

[@mkllove]

He didn't say it, but I'm wondering if they could RECOVER a payload with this capability as well ? Also curious if first stage engine remains attached to satellite for de-orbit later from constellation, ie no separation issues if it stays intact and retains fuel for re boost or de orbit as necessary.

[@DrewQuinton]

@@mkllove it's a good idea but doubtful. Deorbit will likely take place years after launch and by then the methane and lox in the second stage will have boiled off or whatever.

[@blzrdphoto]

@@mkllove no that won’t happen. To recover you have to get your recovery vehicle to orbit and then have enough delta v left to slow down and land. The first stage only gets to like 6000 or 7000, maybe 8000 khp before letting the second stage loose. Second stage then gets the payload up to 17,500 kph for orbital velocity. The first stage isnt even capable of getting half of the speed needed for orbital velocities.

[@aerospacer994]

@@blzrdphoto The last phrase is incorrect. The 1st stage is capable, moreover, this has been done for a long time on some other space rockets, for example, Antares. But the 2nd stage is really not suitable for bringing the satellite out of orbit, and this is not necessary, for such a task a few grams of thrust is enough. It is more important to reduce the propellant weight.

[@blzrdphoto]

@@aerospacer994 ummmmm no. The first stage most definitely does not get to orbit…

[@squidwardfromua]

I absolutely love how different companies suddenly started developing own methods and taking own ways in space launching, competition is the engine of progress. Love you, waiting to see this :3

[@snuffeldjuret]

it is going to be an exciting decade :).

[@htown148]

There publicly traded companies they have $$ now

[@adamburdt8794]

Yeah but he said 2050... By that time will this be necessary or practical?Likely not... Tesla, Amazon have 29 years to improve and by that time it will certainly be better than this. Nice to see competition and all. But I wouldn't go buying RKLB stock.

[@avsrule247]

@@adamburdt8794 It's not going to take 29 years to build lol! He said 2050 rocket that they're building today. They're internally targeting 2024 for the first launch, as seen in the previous Neutron video. $RKLB stock has a lot of potential to give great returns in 2-4 years if development goes well

[@patricofritz4094]

@@avsrule247 So I want to see how their spacecraft/rockets look in 2050 . This is advanced but not really 2050 advanced and they are doing it now . I want to see how their rockets/ships look in 2050 . It should definitely be more advanced than this since they are being proactive now .

[@James52637]

Dang man, this is epic! I’ve loved how SpaceX has evolved the rocket industry, but this is really taking it to another level. Good for all the team at RocketLab. Can’t wait to see where this goes next!

[@DigitalGrease]

This is awesome! I love it. Now we need to keep in mind that Starship/Superheavy are designed to have Starship land on other planets or return to earth, while the Rocket Lab second stage is disposable. Perfect for their purpose if the cost works out right. Stainless steel is much easier to work with and modify with rapid iterations. Also, when you scale up the size of the vehicles, the weight issues are less competitive. Carbon fiber in a resin matrix has less strength at the temperature extremes, stainless steel is stronger at cryo temps and can withstand far higher temps of re-entry. All that being said, I think Rocket Lab Neutron will be a solid competitor in that disposable second stage category!

[@Jsmith1611]

Exactly. This rocket is going to need a lot more ceramic tiles due to the carbon fiber shell which probably offsets all of the weight savings of ceramic vs stainless. The integrated faring is cool but will require serious motors and support which will increase weight.

[@DigitalGrease]

@@Jsmith1611 In the case of Neutron, it is essentially the same as the booster of a Falcon 9 or Starship, the ceramic tiles are needed for orbital return, not for the booster. I assume that the Electron experience has shown them that their booster section in carbon fiber can withstand the heat in the suborbital return. I agree about the fairing mechanism, and it is yet to be determined how their integrated landing legs will fare compared the the Falcon 9 style of legs. Fun stuff! Elon said recently that with stainless steel, "if you need to add something, just weld it on!" Much faster iteration and modification.

[@Jsmith1611]

@@DigitalGrease got it. Carbon fiber could be the right solution once a design becomes perfected.

[@ramsesv.pinxteren252]

Now this is what I call "thinking out of the box". A second stage that is completely inside the fairing! I would never thought about that. This is great. I wish you good luck and lets light this candle!

[@simongeard4824]

Having the second stage inside the fairing isn't particularly unusual... Atlas V does that in some configurations. But having a closeable fairing attached to the first stage... *that's* a bit more novel. It's been proposed for other reusable rockets before, but not on anything that might plausibly be built.

[@TexanUSMC8089]

@@simongeard4824 SpaceX has hinted at several types of ways to open Starship also. You did notice the clip from a certain movie with the same fairing didn't you?

[@simongeard4824]

@@TexanUSMC8089 Yes, I noticed the movie clip. You did notice where I said "might plausibly be built", didn't you? As for ways to open Starship, what does that have to do with anything? That's certainly not a second stage contained within a fairing on the first stage...

[@t.3465]

@@TexanUSMC8089 Starship Launch Sequence: Super heavy - 1st stage Starship - 2nd stage Dragon - 3rd stage Star man Roadster - 4th stage Super Heavy carrying a Starship carrying a Dragon carrying a rocket-powered Tesla Roadster… nice

[@simongeard4824]

@heldgop Yes, that's the point... for that particular Atlas configuration, the fairings are attached to the first stage, just like Neutron. That's why I said that the unusual part isn't that they're on the first age, but that they're closeable. Edit: or maybe I misinterpreted your post... did you mean that with Neutron, the fairings are carrying the load? Yes, that's unusual.

[@engincanavc5925]

Carbon composit, methane, reusable. That's what I call a 2050 rocket. So proud seeing you guys coming up with such clever projects. You worried me a bit when I saw the design , I thought it was a SSTO, but I took it back immediately. Best of luck...

[@voongnz]

Yup, although I was hoping a 2050 rocket would have newer battery tech to run the fuel and oxidizer pumps for the larger engines.

[@engincanavc5925]

@@voongnz I believe that we can see both new battery tech and reusable second stage in the upcoming years as an update. But trying re-entry for the first time is hell of a complicated engineering problem on its own. So the design we're seeing right now is very good sign of what to come.

[@SuperNovaJinckUFO]

Let's admit, though: if RL were to do a SSTO, they'd do it right

[@codetech5598]

In 1950, people knew the technology of 2050 would be flying saucers, not rockets.

[@avsrule247]

@@voongnz Batteries become dead weight after being depleted and they're not in line with Rocket Lab's goal of rapid reuse. They would be throwing away batteries like they already do now and it would be an extra cost to relaunch

[@ben1NZL]

It's like staring into the future. I'm sure a lot of these competitive an innovative projects will be beneficial to the wider community in the future. Well done Rocket Lab and all space agencies.

[@spaceobsessedfemboy]

I've got to say it, I think rocket lab has slowly become my favorite rocket company. I love how they are not scared to try something new.

[@armr6937]

I like everything about it. Peter, sounds like you're talking directly to Musk when you offer your alternatives for reusability. I find them great, I wish you the best and hope there aren't any snags in the way!

[@MrAlanCristhian]

Also he talk to Musk fanboys when he say "when we say we gonna do something, we do it".

[@ingenuity23]

@@MrAlanCristhian na I'm pretty sure it's to besus, who is still developing "new Glenn"

[@danielbrandi07]

Yeah, when he said "barges in the middle of the ocean" and "catch the fairings" and "deployable landing legs" it was so clear he was speaking of the Falcon 9

[@user-yc5kk7pk4d]

@@MrAlanCristhian Space X said they were going to reuse rockets, they’ve done it.

[@tecwzrd]

Peter talking about a 2050 rocket today and acting like they aren't using the same basic design concepts that have been used for the last 50 years. Besides using carbon fiber shell, which is stupid expensive, he is basically describing current and past tech. Also talking like SpaceX doesn't exist or their current Starlink program :P

[@IsMaski]

That is amazing. Great visuals and presentation.. Honestly surprised that you guys chose carbon composite. If you guys can pull it off, it's gonna be wild! Rocket design looks simple and elegant without severe complexity. Love what you guys are going for here.. Wishing you all the best! Can't wait to see the test fire of the new archimedes engine

[@outdoorexplorer2458]

I love this video! This is a representation of a great company that can acknowledge who the industry leading company is, (SpaceX) but can also make playful jabs at them to show even tho they've been inspired heavily by SpaceX, Rocket lab isn't afraid to do their own thing. Blue Origin could learn a lot from Rocket Lab, but they probably won't

[@joelnorman8648]

Their current rocket electron is already carbon composite

[@cirrusflyerh2843]

@@outdoorexplorer2458 Blue Origin wont learn a thing. The only thing Blue Origin will launch any time soon in response to this is a Law Suit claiming title to the term “ if we say we gonna do it, then we do it”

[@outdoorexplorer2458]

@@cirrusflyerh2843 I know that's my favorite part. LMAO!!!

[@Brixxter]

Carbon composite is the obvious choice for them, they've already proven they have great expertise with it

[@idleeric8556]

Amazing presentation; confidence inspiring and inspirational. And I am now very much looking to seeing the Neutron fly and the Archimedes breathe fire! Nice one! 🙏🚀😎

[@connectedeurope]

Can be a real gamechanger to bring down costs a lot in the near future and do it in a sustainable way. Big respect for the team.

[@blackmage-89]

The fairings closing back and the shape that reduces thermic shocks are the best ideas overall, i can't wait to see it go! :D

[@volotex6911]

The shape should also help the 1. stage remaining stable on re-entry.

[@ulungprabowo]

@@volotex6911 other than the shape to make it stable and slow, is it doesnt need the thermal protection because it is not in orbital velocity? The videos show that it lookslike in higher altitude than other rocket first stage.

[@codetech5598]

Yes, the best idea from a 1967 James Bond movie.

[@blackmage-89]

@@codetech5598 Might be a case of "Reality is weirder than fiction" :D I mean, until it's tested in an actual flight we should give them the benefit of the doubt.

[@ajbp95]

I was pumped and up for it, but the faring returning with the first stage made me go bonkers! That's so cool! Can't wait to see it launch!

[@quriz4609]

"Because at Rocket Lab, when we say we're going to do something, we do it." And when they say they're not going to do something, they're doing it anyway.

[@jm56585]

Thanks everyone at Rocket Lab! this is truly inspiring!

[@johnathanclayton2887]

I love the non-cylindrical shape your carbon fiber printing enables! Between the crome color of starship and neutron's curvy tanks and landing fins, the future is looking so retro and I am loving it!

[@getsideways7257]

I wouldn't really call this "retro" though - it's a surprisingly modern looking design. Now, I can't say the same about Elon's "bucket"...

[@waylontmccann]

Wow, Peter. This is really impressive. Watching RocketLab grow from a fledgling space startup has been a trip! You and your team are making New Zealand shine so very brightly. Great work and good luck to you all!

[@MasterChief37]

Except Neutron won't be built or launched in New Zealand.

[@waylontmccann]

@@MasterChief37 aaaannnnnd?

[@MasterChief37]

@@waylontmccann nothing to be proud off when nothing is done in NZ.

[@TexanUSMC8089]

Rocket Lab is a New Zealand and USA company. Peter is the CEO. The Rocket Lab HQ is in California. I cheer for New Zealand though.

[@MasterChief37]

@@TexanUSMC8089 it was a NZ company, it’s now an American company.

[@JerryGarciaPOBox]

Proud to have been a part of Neutron!

[@timbaake1986]

Awesome presentation! Go for it team Rocket Lab, I'm rooting for all of you!

[@jeddjoseph237]

Rocket lab for the win!!! While I agree with a lot of what they are doing, only time will tell if their carbon composites will be the most suitable option. While Barges are definitely expensive as they have said, the return to earth on land i feel will never always be an option, as it limits their payload capacity, just looking at their max payload for LEO with 1st stage return, u need about 3 of them to match 1 falcon 9 payload launch... I mean it may be for different markets, but they are designed for different uses. But more companies innovating is great!! The future of space travel is more promising than ever!

[@saumyacow4435]

The point is that 80 percent of satellites are under 8 tonnes. Plus they're basically saying that you can do a larger payload if uou're eilling to pay the extra for expendable. Perhaps Falcon has the edge there but we'll see. The big issue with barges is time.

[@joansparky4439]

@@saumyacow4435 by the time this is flying the competition will be SS not Falcon.

[@saumyacow4435]

@@joansparky4439 Yes and SS won't compete on small to medium payloads.

[@partyboi69er]

@@joansparky4439 if space x can sort of raptor problem in time. big issues their at the moment

[@somedude-lc5dy]

yeah, I like that they're going for it.

[@EvasiveSnail]

THIS IS WHY I LOVE ROCKET LAB. This is insane and I really hope we get to see much of the developtment and testing of this "next gen" rocket. Exciting times ahead!

[@kaydenthat8222]

It's pretty funny how many rocket companies started using methane for propellant after SpaceX announced that they are using it. But pretty great rocket! Looking forward to seeing it launch and test the engine.

[@ChrisGWGreen]

Great presentation! I love all the little digs at SpaceX (though I'm so excited private companies are working on this)

[@cool1zam2]

I literally clapped at the fairing part. Absolutely amazing concept!! Would be amazing if that actually came to fruition. Best of luck!

[@TaylorDeCastro]

Peter out here ending every sentence with, “…, ELON.” Damn. Space lasers fired.

[@g.f.martianshipyards9328]

The jabs were subtle, but also somehow not subtle at all.

[@haydenuwu]

This presentation is like an Apple press conference, but for Rockets! Awesome

[@RogerM88]

007 - “You Only Live Twice". Enter the chat.

[@unotechrih8040]

Healthy competition for SpaceX! Great job, rocket lab! I bought some shares today because I like the direction you are going. Keep it up!

[@stuartb3609]

Unfortunately the share price has tanked since this announcement. Hopefully only short term.

[@avsrule247]

@@stuartb3609 This is not a short term buy for this stock. Anyone who buys this for short term doesn't understand the market. RKLB is a long term play. They are not going to deliver this vehicle until at least 2024, so the stock is a buy until then

[@idleeric8556]

You can buy shares in this company?? 🤯 Here! Quick!! Take my money!!! 🏃Because surely over time then this companies shares are going to become a very nice investment indeed. Their business plan looks super-solid and well thought out.

[@kenshi_cv2407]

@@avsrule247 This is why space companies should not be publicly traded. It makes every launch failure have far more weight than it should, especially during the development or early life of a launch vehicle, when failures happen most.

[@rhode5859]

Amazing update, very informative. Excited for the first launch!

[@ejciicollins3200]

Neutron is an excellent rocket concept from Rocket Lab and I can't wait to see it perform. This definitely looks like a rocket of the future 👏🙌👏

[@codemonkey2k5]

Man Peter, you've got the art of presentation down! I'm super excited to see this thing next year.

[@betterrobots]

lost my absolute bits when it did the 'You Only Live Twice' nomnom fairing (technical term) - big fan of this launchfriend. good luck to it.

[@Ascientistsjourney]

Instead of him eating a hat he made us remove our hats. Hats off to the amazing work you are doing. All the best to the team. (and also forgive me for that bad pun XD)

[@KVGilly]

He needs to eat some steel after his idiotic and anecdotal display.

[@Ascientistsjourney]

@@KVGilly lol. Not sure if he can do that tho. ;p

[@will2brown50]

@@KVGilly salty space X fanboy? I love what space X do but more competition in the space industry is ONLY ever a good thing. Rocketlab, Astra, Blue Origin, ULA, Space X. Together they are redefining an industry that hadn't seen much change in decades.

[@KVGilly]

@@will2brown50 I absolutely love competition, it's essential. Jabbing at others though, is completely useless (unless directed at BO). And I'd say the same if Elon or SpaceX did the same. It's childish and only destructive to the industry. Just explain the abilities of your rocket and stfu.

[@aerospacer994]

@@KVGilly I liked a phrase from one movie ... "You are too serious. A smart face is not a sign of intelligence, gentlemen, the greatest stupidity on Earth is done with this expression. So smile, gentlemen, smile." P.S. Have you ever wondered WHY did Peter eat his hat? This is a really interesting story. :)

[@thespacehacker406]

I don't understand why this has only 400K views. This is such a polished presentation, with an inspiring, futuristic message - best of all, it's happening now.

[@syntience_music]

What a wonderful time to live. Thank you Peter for delivering everyone's dream :) To the stars!!

[@joshuadanielbruner]

So proud to be a part of this…well done Peter and everyone at RocketLab!

[@ardag1439]

Nice! I can't even imagine what the future Proton rocket will look like- Oh, right.

[@snacklesskerbal2204]

Upside down?

[@NuclearTopSpot]

Damn you, Russia

[@timbermicka]

Angara.

[@Thearmorcav]

When I was 8 years old I drew a rocket just like this one.

[@wytchend]

Fantastic presentation Peter. You will be changing the game with this one. Go Rocket Lab!

[@janos71]

At Rocket Lab, when we say we’re going to do something , we do it. And when we say we’re not going to do something, we do it anyways.

[@RinoaL]

I'm very excited for this. I hope you guys someday own your own orbital spaceport.

[@bobrossplush2]

you do know they were the first to develop a private orbital spaceport, right?

[@natenobles4372]

@@bobrossplush2 It was so private he didn’t know.

[@TexanUSMC8089]

@@bobrossplush2 Owning one, and designing one on a computer are very different.

[@sdgamer9427]

@@natenobles4372 lmao

[@DarrenGedye]

@@TexanUSMC8089 Seriously? They have been launching Electron from their private spaceport at Mahia here in New Zealand for 4 years! kzbin.info/www/bejne/jHLCaXuGqNqUZsU

[@0sirisREx]

Amazing presentation. Second stage in the fairing is a beautiful idea. More engineered than anything starship has to propose.

[@jspendulum]

Loved it, can’t wait to see your team get this thing flying!

[@MartinBelcher]

You Only Live Twice And you've gotta launch this thing from a old volcano caldera

[@Kub5008]

I love the little digs at SpaceX. Just shows the future competition with this rocket! Good luck to all!

[@ChristSimd]

To me it feels wrong, Elon has always been very supportive of them, so for him to turn around and poke at SpaceX like that is disappointing to say the least.

[@oleglovky]

Misleading digs at the company that inspired him, and with nothing to show for except renders and animations. Show some respect.

[@Mediiiicc]

Nothing wrong with a bit of banter. Too bad thin skins gotta ruin it.

[@FredPlanatia]

I didn't see those digs as disrespectful. Just some confidence in doing things differently. Can't argue with success. And proofs in the pudding.

[@oleglovky]

@@FredPlanatia He mentioned the barges twice as if F9 is incapable of RTLS and has to land on a barge in the middle of the ocean. The only thing they're doing differently is giving up on some potential performance.

[@nzldudeDNB]

This is amazing! Cant wait to see the human capable Neutron vehicle!

[@carldavies4776]

Launch abort may be complicated with this layout

[@emmastewart2802]

Wow! Peter always gives such great presentations. I can't wait to see Neutron in action, it truly is a futuristic rocket.

[@richsw]

Excellent presentation! The choice of 'Rocket Lab-grown' carbon composite is particularly exciting. I can't wait to see how this one develops!

[@AlexanderJones88]

Great work Rocket Lab! looks like a great vehicle, bold design! Low blow at SpaceX with the engine jab, but happy to see better quality competitors really joining the race!

[@caav56]

Infrastructure too, as SpaceX plans to use catcher on the Starbase Launch Tower to catch both the first stage and Starship during the landing.

[@VoyagerVentures]

I didn't get the engine jab part. Can you post the timeline of it?

[@RandomCommentDue]

@@VoyagerVentures SpaceX is trying to push Raptor to the edges of its design and is constantly increasing the thrust requirement/goals they have for in (theres been a nearly 30-50 bar increase in target operating pressure for example). So theyre running Raptor HARD. The jab being made is RL wont be running Archimedes hard at all to increase reliability and reusability.

[@simongeard4824]

@@RandomCommentDue Yeah, Raptor is pretty much the polar opposite of this... pushing engine designs right to the limit of what's theoretically possible. And it's unsurprising that we've been hearing in the past few days that they're having some big challenges productionising it.

[@mynameismatt2010]

It’s a fundamentally different problem though. SpaceX’s problem isn’t that they can’t produce engines, they’re already producing more than 3 a week, their problem is scaling from 3 a week to 3+ a day, which no one has ever even attempted before. Comparatively, if RL made their engines at the rate SpaceX is making raptors now, they’d be able to build 25 a year. Considering they’re supposed to be easily reusable they could potentially launch 100 times a year putting 800 tons into orbit, just with the engine production rate SpaceX is at today. However, SpaceX with the same engine production rate and also planning to reuse their rockets, could only build 5 rockets, but with those same 5 rockets they’d be able to put at least 3000 tons in orbit. That’s why comparing rocket lab to SpaceX is pointless, they’re apples and oranges. They’re both going to be big players as space launch providers, but in completely separate segments of the market.

[@siphesihlethabethe6791]

The next few years are going to be exciting... I wonder which will be my favourite, Starship or Neutron. But Neutron looks super gorgeous.

[@captbrick1589]

Love Rocketlab’s approach to reusability, can’t wait to see the first launch!

[@eradem61]

the last sentence would be better, if he said " and if we say we aren't going to do something, we are going to do anyway."

[@theanimalplanet7031]

Fantastic! With this kind of attitude (not constantly overhyping), humble, and loving the crash tests!

[@Bobcat665]

I absolutely wish you the best with this, guys. You have a HUGE engineering challenge ahead of you, however. Cheers!

[@timgleason2527]

“Earlier this year I ate my hat” Oh don’t worry Peter. We remember. We rewatch it religiously. We cackle about it with our friends. But obviously it was worth it, because this direction for Rocket Lab looks amazing.

[@jmstudios457]

Holy crap. What an excellent presentation. Love the way you guys do things. Feel like Rocket Lab will be the ULA of Constellations.

[@rocketcello5354]

wow just wow this rocket is taking lessons from basically most early SSTO concepts, and using new tech. it is just wow

[@ReasonsWhy1]

Always awesome to watch a presentation of rocketlab, always so engaging, so well presented.

[@mortallychallenged]

first i thought neutron was meh, but now... holy crap this is gonna be spectacular

[@outdoorexplorer2458]

I love this video! This is a representation of a great company that can acknowledge who the industry leading company is, (SpaceX) but can also make playful jabs at them to show even tho they've been inspired heavily by SpaceX, Rocket lab isn't afraid to do their own thing. Blue Origin could learn a lot from Rocket Lab, but they probably won't

[@MrAlanCristhian]

The leading company is ULA. They did complete 145 launches in 15 years. Spacex did 138 launches in 20 years.

[@ballom29]

@@MrAlanCristhian 134 of thoses launches in 10 years Rockets companies take years before their very first launch. ULA, while it's officially exist only since 2006 , is a joint venture of Boeing and lockheed Martin, both Boeing and Locked were already building rockets during the space race. ULA immediatly started at its creation with a wide fleet of ready to fly reliable rockets , so no it's not comparable. And Honnestly, ULA did a great job, but they're part of the overpricing old space wich now easly ask for twice the price for a lesser capacity, because they know they'll get the money anyway. They're the immediat current concurrent of spaceX, but in the future i'll no longer see them as such if they don't evolve.

[@MyChannel-bh6sc]

@@MrAlanCristhian SpaceX did 101 launches in 2017-2021 so far. ULA did 29. I think it's pretty safe to say who the industry leader is. ULA used to be the industry leader before SpaceX managed to work out the kinks of Falcon 9 (production issues, technical problems, two failures (in 2015 and 2016).

[@kuznacbendelejev6924]

@@MrAlanCristhian ULA is irrelevant at this point

[@jakethadley]

The shape is awesome, kind of what a kid draws when you say "rocket"! It's gonna be fantastic to see this fly, it such a cool, alternate approach.

[@johnathanclayton2887]

Between neutron and starship, the future is looking so retro!

[@nanoluis9842]

Gracias Peter por esa pasión que transmites por la ciencia y la tecnología. Rocket Lab me inspira a seguir construyendo un futuro posible.

[@josh3771]

Fantastic presentation and work RL team. Going to be an amazing next decade in the space industry

[@ExploringSpace]

Very cool alternative to the Starship model! I guess the caveat is that the 2nd stage isn't really reusable. Seems more like a reusable stage 1+fairing deal, but losing stage 2, which is already what F9 does

[@jonny3003]

Yes indeed, it's similar to the Falcon 9. The first design of the Neutron from 3 or 4 months ago looked differently with a reusable second stage too, so I'm a bit disappointed.

[@divendus5766]

It will be a better Falcon 9, but that is how technological development works. Space X made the idea of reusable rocket viable on the market, the competitors (hopefully) will develop it further and further. Meantime Space X moves to the heavy lift segment, which will be an other game.

[@jasonheckenlively1172]

It is not an alternative to Starship. A very exciting and innovative alternative to the current crop of medium launch vehicles yes.

[@divendus5766]

I mean even RocketLab was changing their mind about reusability, because of Falcon9's success (hat eating for Peter), so probably others will follow.

[@jonny3003]

@@jasonheckenlively1172 Yes, but Peter talked of rockets from the 2050s and not the current rockets.

[@checkerbaddy4238]

The fairing Design ist really clever, such a simple and effective way!

[@Kwint.]

This mustve been one of the best videos ive ever seen, that was amazing! I cant wait to see what the future holds :)

[@mynameismatt2010]

Congratulation on the presentation Rocket Lab. I think the best part of the new design was 100% hanging the second stage. Genius way to save mass where it matters most.

[@ollimartikainen]

At Rocket Lab when we say we're not gonna do something, we still do it anyway :D

[@nathancommissariat3518]

Looks amazing. Great job RocketLab team, cannot wait to see the progression that takes this rocket to the launchpad! Go Neutron Go!!

[@Minecraft-3699]

“When we say we’re gonna do something, we’re gonna do it” is the best insult to Blue Origin

[@kevinbryer2425]

Impressive. We have to move the ball foreword to full reusability. Ultimately, a pressurized volume already in space is a resource all it's own. The only issue I can see is if they try to man-rate it. Customers are almost certain to demand a launch escape system, and that otherwise brilliant faring would complicate things. I'm guessing they would need a separate, interchangeable "2nd Segment" capable of detaching in an emergency to allow a manned craft to escape, with integrated pusher rockets and a parachute.

[@iamaduckquack]

SpaceX really got the competition moving. Everyone has such cool ideas now :D

[@Madsstuff]

I remember watching the first launch of the first craft and saying to myself "This company is going to to something great." you guys are pushing forward with confidence. And that's the key! Looks sleek, I hope it performs sleek too. Looking forward to see some launches with it!

[@braydenkaye4827]

This was amazing and I just have to say how unique musk has made this period of time, everything he touches breeds competition and innovation. Electric cars, batteries, renewable energy, renewable rockets. It's like watching an artist invent genres

[@hextoken]

Incredible presentation. Super innovation for space too. :)

[@tcparker2]

As both an investor and space enthusiast, this is exciting to see. Let’s go rocket lab!

[@DannTeBg]

Same here, but the stock is down 6% atm wtf, I was expecting some serious hype. The update is better then I even expected.

[@l0I0I0I0]

@@DannTeBg if the stock is down, that's a good thing but do your homework.

[@harshraj7886]

You guys are superb! Fairing design is just magnificent. Love your work, design and whole rocket lab team.

[@eugeneputin1858]

Correction, a 2022 rocket built in 2022 because that when its going to built. Good work rocket lab!!

[@JSP_1147]

Your faring and 1st stage recovery is genius Good luck rocketlab

[@Z318ABC]

That was one hell of a presentation! Good job Rocketlab, i cannot wait to see the future test of Neutron

[@alvaro93364]

YEEEEEEES!!!!!! This is awesome news!! Though the rocket looks a bit fat. But it's fine. I had never thought of this concept before. Very nice! Good to see they're also applying propulsive landing. Let's go SpaceX! Rocketlab! Relativity! Astra! Virgin Galactic! And any other small space companies I can't remember about!! Blue Origin just focus on space and stop trying to win everything and crying when you don't. 👶

[@johnathanclayton2887]

I think it looks fat by comparison because falcon 9 is so skinny. I think falcon 9 is the max diameter to haul on trucks and trains. But since rocketlab is all right there, they won't need to transport it much.

[@peterfireflylund]

One of Electron's selling points is launch reliability -- it is not as weather dependent as Falcon 9, both due to size/shape and due to launch location. Neutron's size/shape should give it excellent resistance to shear stress from high altitude winds, unlike Falcon 9 and just like Electron.

[@Acerelado]

Wow, nice presentation. Very ambitious and bold! While I'm rooting more for SX, I do think competition will benefit the industry as whole and increase the pace of innovation. Very good time to be a space enthusiast!

[@tylerbarton5993]

Wow! I did not expect such an amazing rocket design. Also, great job presenting the rocket, I was very intrigued.