Rocket Lab is an American aerospace company that has made significant strides in the development and launch of the Electron rocket. Founded in 2006 by Peter Beck, the company has quickly established itself as a leader in the small satellite launch industry.

The company’s primary focus is on providing reliable and affordable launch services for small satellites. This is achieved through the development of the Electron rocket, a small-lift launch vehicle designed to deliver payloads of up to 300 kg to low Earth orbit. The Electron has already completed multiple successful missions, cementing Rocket Lab’s position as a key player in the space industry.

Electron Rocket and Ocean Recovery

The Electron rocket is a two-stage vehicle powered by nine Rutherford engines in the first stage and a single vacuum-optimized Rutherford engine in the second stage. These engines are unique in that they are the first to be 3D printed, using advanced materials and manufacturing techniques. This approach allows Rocket Lab to produce engines quickly and cost-effectively, reducing the overall cost of launch.

One of the most notable aspects of the Electron is Rocket Lab’s approach to first stage recovery. Unlike other rockets that attempt to land the first stage on a landing pad or droneship, Rocket Lab has opted for an ocean recovery method. After separating from the second stage, the Electron’s first stage is designed to survive re-entry and splash down in the ocean. The company then dispatches a ship to retrieve the stage from the water.

This innovative approach to recovery has several advantages. First, it eliminates the need for complex landing systems and the associated weight penalties. Second, it allows for a wider range of launch trajectories, as the stage does not need to return to a specific landing site. Finally, ocean recovery is less weather-dependent than landing on a pad or droneship, increasing the flexibility of launch schedules.

Rocket Lab has already demonstrated the viability of this approach, successfully recovering the first stage of an Electron rocket during a mission in November 2020. The stage was retrieved from the ocean by the company’s recovery vessel, the Seaworker, and returned to the company’s production facility for analysis. This achievement marked a significant milestone in Rocket Lab’s efforts to make the Electron partially reusable.

Recovery Ships

To support its ocean recovery operations, Rocket Lab has chartered two vessels: the Seaworker and the Seasurveyor. These ships are based in New Zealand, where the company conducts its launches from the Mahia Peninsula.

The Seaworker is a 50-meter long vessel that has been modified to support Rocket Lab’s recovery operations. It is equipped with a crane and a custom-built recovery cradle designed to safely lift the Electron’s first stage out of the water. The ship also features a helipad, allowing for quick transport of the recovered stage back to shore.

The Seasurveyor is a smaller vessel that serves as a support ship for the Seaworker. It is used to transport crew and equipment to the recovery site and to assist with the retrieval operation.

Together, these ships form an integral part of Rocket Lab’s recovery infrastructure. Their successful deployment and operation have demonstrated the feasibility of ocean recovery and have paved the way for future reusability efforts.

Future Plans: Neutron Rocket and Landing Platform Vessel

While the Electron rocket has been the focus of Rocket Lab’s efforts to date, the company is already looking to the future with the development of a larger, fully reusable rocket called Neutron.

Announced in March 2021, the Neutron is designed to be a medium-lift launch vehicle capable of delivering payloads of up to 8 tons to low Earth orbit. Rocket Lab recovers and reuses, the first stage and payload fairings of the Neutron rocket.

To support the recovery of the Neutron’s first stage, Rocket Lab plans to build and operate a dedicated landing platform vessel. This vessel will serve as a mobile landing pad, positioned downrange from the launch site. After separating from the second stage, the Neutron’s first stage will perform a controlled descent and land on the platform.

The use of a landing platform vessel offers several advantages over traditional landing methods. First, it allows for greater flexibility in launch trajectories, as the stage can land on the platform regardless of the launch site’s location. Second, it reduces the risk of damage to the stage during landing, as the platform provides a stable and controlled environment. Finally, it allows for quick recovery and transport of the stage back to the launch site for refurbishment and reuse.

Rocket Lab’s plans for the Neutron and its associated landing platform vessel represent a significant step forward in the company’s efforts to make space more accessible and affordable. By developing a fully reusable rocket and a robust recovery infrastructure, Rocket Lab is positioning itself to compete with larger launch providers and to capture a growing share of the commercial launch market.

Summary

Rocket Lab’s innovative approach to rocket design, recovery, and reusability has positioned the company as a leader in the small satellite launch industry. Through the development of the Electron rocket and its unique ocean recovery method, Rocket Lab has demonstrated the viability of partially reusable rockets and has paved the way for future reusability efforts.

Looking to the future, Rocket Lab’s plans for the Neutron rocket and its associated landing platform vessel represent a significant step forward in the company’s efforts to make space more accessible and affordable. By developing a partially reusable medium lift rocket and a robust recovery infrastructure, Rocket Lab is positioning itself to compete with larger launch providers and to capture a growing share of the commercial launch market.