Rocket Lab is positioning itself to compete with SpaceX in the military launch sector, confirming its bid for Pentagon contracts with the medium-lift Neutron rocket. CEO Peter Beck expressed confidence in Neutron's capabilities for the National Security Space Launch (NSSL) Phase 3 Lane 1 program, which aims to diversify the current launch provider landscape dominated by SpaceX, United Launch Alliance (ULA), and Blue Origin.
The U.S. Space Force has set a deadline for the first launch by December 2025, a target Beck believes Neutron can meet despite questions regarding its readiness. The Lane 1 program, valued at $5.6 billion over five years, is designed for missions with higher risk tolerance, facilitating quicker launches for less sensitive payloads.
Rocket Lab's Neutron, unveiled three years ago, is designed to carry payloads of approximately 13,000 kilograms to low Earth orbit (LEO) and features a reusable first stage powered by nine Archimedes engines. The company recently conducted a successful static fire test of the Archimedes engine, marking a significant milestone.
In addition to launch services, Rocket Lab's Space Systems division aims to provide comprehensive solutions for the government, having already been selected to build and launch an in-space surveillance satellite, Victus Haze, scheduled for 2025. The project reflects Rocket Lab's ambition to expand its footprint in the defense sector amidst a growing backlog of satellite projects.
Meanwhile, Antaris™ has announced a collaboration with SEAKR Engineering to enhance its cloud platform for satellite mission design and testing. This partnership aims to integrate SEAKR's advanced hardware for remote testing, furthering Antaris' mission to streamline satellite operations for the U.S. Department of Defense.
Additionally, Space Solar Ltd has unveiled a prototype for space-based solar power transmission, showcasing the potential for satellites to deliver continuous energy to Earth. The project, involving significant R&D, aims to deploy multiple satellites by 2030, with the capacity to power one million households.
These developments underscore a pivotal moment in space exploration, with companies innovating to address military, commercial, and energy challenges in a rapidly evolving landscape.