Rocket Lab to launch new medium-lift reusable rocket Neutron for U.S. AFRL

Rocket Lab (RKLB) USA announced it will launch its new medium-lift reusable rocket Neutron for the U.S. Air Force Research Laboratory for a Rocket Cargo mission that supports point-to-point cargo transportation, establishing a new era of commercial launch capability to advance global defense logistics for the nation. “The mission is scheduled for a return-to-Earth Neutron launch no earlier than 2026. The launch contract will see Neutron execute a Rocket Cargo survivability experiment under the AFRL Rocket Experimentation for Global Agile Logistics solicitation, an effort by the Department of Defense to create a rocket-based point-to-point transportation system to quickly and rapidly deliver cargo around the world with commercial launch providers. AFRL’s experiment will be launched by Neutron and re-enter Earth’s atmosphere, in a demonstration of re-entry capability for future REGAL missions,” the company stated.