Rocket Lab successfully completed a full-duration hot-fire test of the Archimedes Vacuum (AVac) engine. This second-stage engine serves as a critical component for the company's upcoming Neutron rocket.
The medium-lift, reusable Neutron rocket is designed to carry 13,000 kilograms to low Earth orbit. This payload capacity allows Rocket Lab to compete for satellite megaconstellation contracts in a market currently dominated by larger launch vehicles.
Rocket Lab scheduled the first Neutron launch for late 2026. The mission will depart from Wallops, Virginia. The AVac engine utilizes a larger nozzle optimized for space operations to validate the new launch vehicle technology.