Rocket Lab Expands NASA Partnership With Neutron Under VADR Contract

Rocket Lab USA, Inc. (Nasdaq: RKLB), a global leader in launch services and space systems, has announced a significant expansion of its partnership with NASA. The company has reached a mutual agreement to include its new medium-lift reusable rocket, Neutron, under the existing Venture-Class Acquisition of Dedicated and Rideshare (VADR) contract. This move allows Rocket Lab to continue broadening access to space and delivering multiple missions across various orbits, including CubeSats, Class D missions, and other payloads.

Neutron, Rocket Lab's new medium-lift reusable rocket, is designed to provide both commercial and government customers with an alternative reliable launch service capable of deploying 13,000 kg to low Earth orbit. The rocket is tailored to deploy constellations and national security missions as well as science and exploration payloads. In addition to serving customers, Neutron is key to Rocket Lab's strategy as an end-to-end space company capable of building, launching, and operating its own constellations and delivering services from space in the future.

Rocket Lab founder and CEO, Sir Peter Beck, expressed his enthusiasm about the partnership, stating, "Neutron brings choice and value to the launch industry and is the ideal rocket to support NASA's goals with VADR to provide new opportunities for science and technology payloads through commercial best practice. Rocket Lab has been a long trusted and reliable launch partner for NASA missions with Electron, and we’re proud to have been selected to expand on this with Neutron."

Neutron's inclusion in the VADR contract builds on previous awards for the new launch vehicle, including an on-ramp to the United States Space Force's OSP-4 program and a separate $986m IDIQ contract. Neutron is also ideally placed to be on-ramped onto the U.S. Government's National Security Space Launch (NSSL) Lane 1 program, an IDIQ contract valued at $5.6 billion over a five-year period. This positions Rocket Lab to capitalize on the medium-lift launch requirements for future government and commercial missions.

Significant progress continues to be made on the rocket's launch site on Wallops Island, Virginia, with the site's completion expected in the coming months. Production, infrastructure scaling, and both Archimedes engine and full-scale components testing are continuing at pace across Rocket Lab's various production and test facilities throughout the United States. Neutron is scheduled for its debut launch from Rocket Lab Launch Complex 3 in Virginia from mid-2025.



Rocket Lab's expansion of its partnership with NASA through the VADR contract demonstrates the company's commitment to providing reliable and innovative launch services for both commercial and government customers. With its reusable Neutron rocket, Rocket Lab is well-positioned to capitalize on the growing demand for medium-lift launch services and support NASA's mission to provide new opportunities for science and technology payloads.

In conclusion, Rocket Lab's expansion of its partnership with NASA through the VADR contract, along with the inclusion of its new Neutron rocket, highlights the company's dedication to providing reliable and innovative launch services for both commercial and government customers. With its reusable Neutron rocket, Rocket Lab is well-positioned to capitalize on the growing demand for medium-lift launch services and support NASA's mission to provide new opportunities for science and technology payloads.