# Neutron

> orbital launch vehicle under development by Rocket Lab

**Wikidata**: [Q105722174](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q105722174)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rocket_Lab_Neutron)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/neutron

## Summary
The Neutron is an orbital launch vehicle under development by Rocket Lab, designed as a medium-lift, reusable rocket intended to carry moderate payloads to low Earth orbit.

## Key Facts
- The Neutron is a medium-lift, reusable launch vehicle under development by Rocket Lab.
- It has a launch weight of 480,000 kilograms.
- The rocket stands 42.8 meters tall with a 7-meter diameter.
- It is classified as a two-stage-to-orbit vehicle.
- It is manufactured by Rocket Lab and is currently in the building or construction phase.
- It is designed for orbital spaceflight and originates from the United States and New Zealand.
- It is intended to reach low Earth orbit with various payload capacities depending on the orbit and vehicle configuration.

## FAQs
### Q: What is the Neutron rocket?
A: The Neutron is an orbital launch vehicle under development by Rocket Lab, designed as a medium-lift, reusable rocket intended to carry moderate payloads to low Earth orbit.

### Q: What are the key specifications of the Neutron?
A: The Neutron has a launch weight of 480,000 kg, stands 42.8 meters tall, and has a 7-meter diameter.

### Q: Is the Neutron a reusable launch vehicle?
A: Yes, the Neutron is classified as a reusable launch vehicle designed to be partially or fully reused.

### Q: What is the purpose of the Neutron?
A: The Neutron is intended to carry moderate payloads to low Earth orbit and other destinations like polar orbit, geostationary transfer orbit, and potentially interplanetary missions.

## Why It Matters
The Neutron represents Rocket Lab's next-generation medium-lift launch vehicle, designed to address the growing demand for reliable access to space with reusable technology. As a medium-lift vehicle, it fills a niche between smaller rockets like Electron and larger rockets like the company's future heavy-lift vehicles. The reusable design aims to reduce launch costs and increase launch frequency, making space access more affordable for commercial and government customers. By developing a reusable medium-lift vehicle, Rocket Lab seeks to expand its market presence and provide a versatile platform for various orbital missions.

## Notable For
- The Neutron is designed as a medium-lift, reusable launch vehicle with a focus on cost-effective access to space.
- It features a two-stage-to-orbit configuration with distinct first and second stages.
- The rocket is being developed with a launch weight of 480,000 kg and dimensions of 42.8 meters in height and 7 meters in diameter.
- It's intended to carry payloads ranging from 1,800 kg to 15,000 kg depending on the orbit and configuration.

## Body
### Technical Specifications
The Neutron is designed as a medium-lift, reusable orbital launch vehicle with the following technical characteristics:
- **Launch Weight**: 480,000 kilograms (based on launch weight criteria)
- **Height**: 42.8 meters
- **Diameter**: 7 meters (launch vehicle), with a payload fairing diameter of 5 meters
- **Payload Capacity**: Ranges from 1,800 kg to 15,000 kg depending on orbit and configuration
- **Orbital Destinations**: Capable of reaching low Earth orbit, polar orbit, geostationary transfer orbit, and potentially interplanetary destinations like Mars and Venus

### Development Status
The Neutron is currently in the building or construction phase, with Rocket Lab actively developing this medium-lift launch vehicle. The project represents the company's next major step in expanding its launch capabilities beyond its existing Electron small-lift vehicle.

### Stage Configuration
The Neutron features a two-stage-to-orbit design with:
- **First Stage**: The primary propulsion stage
- **Second Stage**: The upper stage for final orbital insertion

### Manufacturing and Origin
Manufactured by Rocket Lab, the Neutron has its origins in both the United States and New Zealand, reflecting Rocket Lab's international operations and partnerships.

### Operational Capabilities
The rocket is designed to support various orbital missions with different payload requirements:
- **Low Earth Orbit**: 13,000 kg (reusable) or 15,000 kg (expendable)
- **Polar Orbit**: 10,100 kg (reusable) or 11,800 kg (expendable)
- **Geostationary Transfer Orbit**: 1,800 kg (reusable) or 2,800 kg (expendable)
- **Interplanetary Missions**: 1,500 kg for destinations like Mars and Venus

### Launch Site
The Neutron is intended to launch from the Mid-Atlantic Regional Spaceport Launch Pad 0.

## References

1. [Source](https://www.rocketlabusa.com/assets/Uploads/Rocket-Lab-Neutron-PUG-Reduced.pdf)
2. [Source](https://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2021/12/neutron-update-dec-2021/)
3. [Source](https://www.rocketlabusa.com/launch/neutron/)
4. [Source](https://s28.q4cdn.com/737637457/files/doc_presentations/2022/09/Final_Investor-Day-Presentation-2022_Sept-21.pdf)