Rocket Lab Returns Previously Flown Electron to Production Line in Preparation for First Reflight

Rhea-AI Summary

Rocket Lab USA, Inc. (RKLB) announces the return of a previously flown Electron rocket first stage tank to the production line for reflight, marking a milestone in their reusable launch vehicle development. The tank has undergone rigorous testing and qualification after being successfully recovered from a previous mission, showcasing Rocket Lab's commitment to increasing launch cadence through booster reuse.

Insights

Aerospace Engineer

The integration of a previously recovered rocket component into the standard production line is a noteworthy step in the aerospace industry, particularly for small orbital launch vehicles like Electron. The ability to reuse the first stage tank is indicative of Rocket Lab's progress in creating a sustainable and cost-effective launch model. The extensive testing regime, including tank pressurization, helium leak checks and carbon fiber structural testing, is critical to ensure the integrity of the reused component. The success in reusing the first stage can potentially reduce the cost per launch, a key factor in the competitive small satellite launch market.

Financial Analyst

The announcement by Rocket Lab to reintroduce a previously flown first stage tank into their production line for reflight has direct financial implications. The reusability aspect is poised to drive down costs and enhance the frequency of launches, which can lead to increased revenue streams from clients looking for cost-effective space access. Investors should monitor the outcomes of the final acceptance and qualification testing closely, as a successful reflight of the recovered stage could signal improved profit margins and operational efficiency, making Rocket Lab a potentially more attractive investment in the commercial spaceflight sector.

Supply Chain Specialist

From a supply chain perspective, the reintegration of a flown component represents a shift towards a circular economy within the aerospace sector. This strategy could lead to a reduction in the production lead times and raw material usage, mitigating supply chain risks associated with manufacturing new components. However, the challenge lies in establishing a consistent and reliable process for recovery, refurbishment and reintegration of these components at scale. Success in these areas could serve as a benchmark for sustainability and efficiency in aerospace manufacturing practices.

The carbon composite first stage tank from the Electron rocket, successfully launched and recovered in January this year, has entered back into the standard Electron production line to undergo final acceptance testing and qualification ahead of reflight.

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Rocket Lab USA, Inc. (Nasdaq: RKLB) (“Rocket Lab” or “the Company”) today announced it is returning a previously flown Electron rocket first stage tank into the Electron production line for the first time in preparation for reflying the stage. The step is a significant milestone in Rocket Lab’s development program to make Electron the world’s first reusable small orbital launch vehicle.

An Electron rocket that delivered satellites into orbit in January 2024 for Spire and NorthStar has returned to Rocket Lab's production line for final acceptance testing and eventual reflight, a milestone in the company's efforts to increase launch cadence by reusing the booster's first stage. (Photo: Business Wire)

Rocket Lab has successfully recovered multiple Electron first stages from previous missions by returning them to Earth under a parachute after launch, splashing them down in the ocean, then collecting them onto a specially modified boat for transfer back to Rocket Lab’s production complex. All previously recovered boosters have undergone extensive analysis to inform an iterative development process to make Electron reusable, but this is the first time a tank has been moved back onto the standard production line in preparation for reflight.

The stage was successfully launched and recovered as part of the ‘Four of a Kind’ mission on 31 January 2024 and has already passed more acceptance tests than any other recovered Electron stage, including:

• Tank pressurization test – a process that filled the carbon composite tank with inert gas and held it in excess of maximum operating pressure for more than 20x longer than the standard Electron flight duration;
• Helium leak check – a stringent process that determines there are no leaks in the tank; and
• Carbon fiber structural testing – including ultrasonic assessment and other non-destructive tests to confirm no delamination of the carbon composite tank fibers.

The stage will now undergo final fit out and rigorous qualification and acceptance testing to the same standard as a brand-new Electron tank to determine the recovered stage’s suitability for reflight.

“Through an iterative development process, we have methodically perfected each step of Electron recovery while simultaneously continuing to increase our Electron production capacity and launch cadence. This is the exciting final piece of the puzzle before Electron goes reusable,” said Rocket Lab founder and CEO Peter Beck. “Our key priority in pushing this stage back into the standard production flow for the first time is to ensure our systems and qualification processes are fit for accepting pre-flown boosters at scale. If this stage successfully passes and is accepted for flight, we’ll consider opportunities for reflying it in the new year.”

Rocket Lab has carried out iterative modifications across multiple recovery missions to hone the recovery process ahead of first reflight, including:

• Ensuring Electron’s carbon composite structure survives the intense heat and forces of atmospheric reentry through innovative coatings, heat shields, and advanced reaction control systems to control the angle of reentry;
• Refining the parachute system to ensure reliable deployment and smooth deceleration from more than 2,300 meters per second to 10 meters per second;
• Honing the telemetry and tracking systems so the marine recovery team can locate the stage as soon as it splashes down;
• Streamlining the process of collecting the stage from the water in less than an hour, then ensuring safe transit back to the Rocket Lab production complex; and
• Successful launch of a previously flown Rutherford engine.

The payload scheduled to launch on the recovered stage will be announced following the completion of final acceptance and qualification testing.

+ About Rocket Lab

Founded in 2006, Rocket Lab is an end-to-end space company with an established track record of mission success. We deliver reliable launch services, satellite manufacture, spacecraft components, and on-orbit management solutions that make it faster, easier, and more affordable to access space. Headquartered in Long Beach, California, Rocket Lab designs and manufactures the Electron small orbital launch vehicle, the Photon satellite platform, and the Company is developing the large Neutron launch vehicle for constellation deployment. Since its first orbital launch in January 2018, Rocket Lab’s Electron launch vehicle has become the second most frequently launched U.S. rocket annually and has delivered 180+ satellites to orbit for private and public sector organizations, enabling operations in national security, scientific research, space debris mitigation, Earth observation, climate monitoring, and communications. Rocket Lab’s Photon spacecraft platform has been selected to support NASA missions to the Moon and Mars, as well as the first private commercial mission to Venus. Rocket Lab has three launch pads at two launch sites, including two launch pads at a private orbital launch site located in New Zealand and a third launch pad in Virginia. To learn more, visit www.rocketlabusa.com.

+ Forward Looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. We intend such forward-looking statements to be covered by the safe harbor provisions for forward looking statements contained in Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”) and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”). All statements contained in this press release other than statements of historical fact, including, without limitation, statements regarding our launch and space systems operations, launch schedule and window, safe and repeatable access to space, Neutron development, operational expansion and business strategy are forward-looking statements. The words “believe,” “may,” “will,” “estimate,” “potential,” “continue,” “anticipate,” “intend,” “expect,” “strategy,” “future,” “could,” “would,” “project,” “plan,” “target,” and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements, though not all forward-looking statements use these words or expressions. These statements are neither promises nor guarantees, but involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other important factors that may cause our actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements, including but not limited to the factors, risks and uncertainties included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2023, as such factors may be updated from time to time in our other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”), accessible on the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov and the Investor Relations section of our website at www.rocketlabusa.com, which could cause our actual results to differ materially from those indicated by the forward-looking statements made in this press release. Any such forward-looking statements represent management’s estimates as of the date of this press release. While we may elect to update such forward-looking statements at some point in the future, we disclaim any obligation to do so, even if subsequent events cause our views to change.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240410860946/en/

+ Rocket Lab Media Contact

Morgan Bailey

media@rocketlabusa.com

Source: Rocket Lab USA, Inc.

FAQ

What is the significance of Rocket Lab returning a previously flown Electron rocket first stage tank to the production line?

Rocket Lab's decision to return a recovered tank for reflight signifies a major milestone in their efforts to develop Electron as the world's first reusable small orbital launch vehicle.

What tests has the recovered stage undergone to ensure its suitability for reflight?

The recovered stage has passed tests including tank pressurization, helium leak check, and carbon fiber structural testing to confirm its readiness for reflight.

What modifications has Rocket Lab made to the recovery process for Electron's first stages?

Rocket Lab has made modifications to ensure the carbon composite structure survives reentry, refine the parachute system, enhance telemetry and tracking systems, and streamline the recovery process.

What is Rocket Lab's plan for the recovered stage after it completes acceptance and qualification testing?

Rocket Lab plans to announce the payload scheduled to launch on the recovered stage once it successfully completes final acceptance and qualification testing.