A naukri.com initiative
Spaceflightnow
3w
398
Rocket Lab to debut point-to-point cargo transportation capability on 2026 Air Force mission
- Rocket Lab plans to demonstrate the reusability of its Neutron rocket with a 'return-to-Earth' mission in 2026 for the U.S. Air Force Research Laboratory.
- The mission is part of the Rocket Experimentation for Global Agile Logistics (REGAL) program aiming for point-to-point cargo transportation using orbital rockets.
- Neutron's re-entry and rocket reusability align with the DoD's space technology goals, with a multi-manifest mission planned where AFRL's experiment will re-enter Earth's atmosphere.
- Rocket Lab's Neutron rocket is undergoing qualification and assembly, set to debut in 2025, with the rocket's second stage already completed and stage one in progress.
- The AFRL's REGAL program seeks to support DoD transportation logistics and is part of the Air Force's Vanguard programs focusing on advancing weapon systems and logistics capabilities.
- Sierra Space's Ghost decelerator spacecraft contract aims to enhance point-to-point logistics, while the Air Force plans to construct landing pads for re-entry vehicle landings at Johnston Atoll.
- Rocket Lab reported 100% success in five Electron rocket launches in Q1 2025, with plans for over 20 launches in the year, but reusability efforts for Electron are currently paused to focus on Neutron development.
Read Full Article
23 Likes
For uninterrupted reading, download the app