Taking advantage of the VADR program in NASA, Rocket Lab USA (RKLB, Financial) is further expanding its collaboration with NASA by using its medium-lift Neutron rocket as part of NASA's Venture-Class Acquisition of Dedicated and Rideshare (VADR). The agreement emphasizes Rocket Lab's rising prominence in the aerospace industry and its planned offering of customizable launch plans for all types of governmental and commercial missions.
The Neutron rocket carries payloads of up to 13,000 kg to low Earth orbit and is intended to support CubeSats and Class D payloads. This capability puts Neutron in a strong position as a strategic rocket within Rocket Lab's portfolio, particularly strengthening its position in a hyper-competitive medium-lift rocket market.
The Neutron rocket is also being evaluated for high-profile programs, including U.S. Space Force OSP 4 and the National Security Space Launch (NSSL) Lane 1. These evaluations demonstrate the rocket's capability to satisfy hard requirements for national security purposes and advanced space exploration.
The Neutron launch site on Wallops Island, Virginia, is nearly ready to start development, with an inaugural launch slated for mid-2025. That launch site is a key piece of the company's expansion strategy, allowing it to respond to the growing demand for medium-lift launch services.
Rocket Lab is furthering its reputation as a trusted partner in aerospace innovation as it integrates its Neutron rocket into NASA's VADR program, enabling other uses in the global space industry.
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