I read years ago that Orbital Sciences Corporation (now part of Northrop Grumman) picked Wallops over the Cape for the Antares launch vehicle for two reasons: 1) It’s just as good for launching to the ISS as the Cape. 2) It’s much less crowded than the Cape. However, I have no idea if those two factors played any part in Rocket Lab’s decision. The only other factor I think of is Wallops is less than a day’s drive from the headquarters for several aerospace companies (e.g., Lockheed Martin in Bethesda, Maryland) and every government agency that requires launch services. 😀
My concern: Neutron will ONLY be launched from Wallops. Meaning, there are customer orbits it will not be able to get to/compete on. Can’t do Neutron from NZ: not enough LOX production in the entire country (literally). The single biggest constraint on Rocketlab going forward this decade will be dependency of Neutron on only one launch site, and the orbits that can be reached from there.
@@miguel.morgado He indicated he wouldn’t do that; they’d basically be creating a new industry in NZ on their own, just for Neutron flights from there.
@@miguel.morgado I think it was the last quarterly conference call. Peter said that New Zealand doesn’t even produce enough LOX to half fill even one Neutron tank (or something like that). So to me, that indicates to get a second launch facility for Neutron, he probably wouldn’t just upgrade the current NZ pad(s)- because he’d simultaneously have to create a NZ LOX industry as well. He gave it in response to the question, will Neutron only be launching from Wallops; basically saying yes, because can’t from NZ due to no LOX. But no one ever questions him on one key salient point: you can’t do all orbits for customers from Wallops- which severely limits Neutron from ever competing w/Falcon 9, for example, which can (from the two coasts). - Dave Huntsman
Can’t wait to see neutron take its first flight
I can't wait to see Nuetron's first successful landing 😉
Much love from Chesapeake, VA! I will be taking my family to watch many of your launches over the years, we can’t wait!
Good luck RL👍🇬🇧
Amazing!
Let’s Go!!! RKLB is the best!!! 🤙🏽❤️
Yea, space.
Good luck Rocket Lab.
👏👏👏
Im interested... what made wallops a more appealing option than the cape? I assume first off that it would be way cheaper
I read years ago that Orbital Sciences Corporation (now part of Northrop Grumman) picked Wallops over the Cape for the Antares launch vehicle for two reasons: 1) It’s just as good for launching to the ISS as the Cape. 2) It’s much less crowded than the Cape. However, I have no idea if those two factors played any part in Rocket Lab’s decision.
The only other factor I think of is Wallops is less than a day’s drive from the headquarters for several aerospace companies (e.g., Lockheed Martin in Bethesda, Maryland) and every government agency that requires launch services. 😀
It may also have something to do with the insertion angle for certain orbital paths that are wanted for surveillance.
From Virginia to the Moon!
1:09 the fairing doesn't split perfectly in half? Interesting choice, I wonder why that is..
I think it's a question of fragility. A spike is much likely to break when cut in half.
My concern: Neutron will ONLY be launched from Wallops. Meaning, there are customer orbits it will not be able to get to/compete on. Can’t do Neutron from NZ: not enough LOX production in the entire country (literally). The single biggest constraint on Rocketlab going forward this decade will be dependency of Neutron on only one launch site, and the orbits that can be reached from there.
I suppose there's nothing stopping Rocket Lab from installing a new LOX plant in their NZ site.
@@miguel.morgado He indicated he wouldn’t do that; they’d basically be creating a new industry in NZ on their own, just for Neutron flights from there.
@@dphuntsman Can you tell me where you read/heard that, please? I'd love to know more
@@miguel.morgado I think it was the last quarterly conference call. Peter said that New Zealand doesn’t even produce enough LOX to half fill even one Neutron tank (or something like that). So to me, that indicates to get a second launch facility for Neutron, he probably wouldn’t just upgrade the current NZ pad(s)- because he’d simultaneously have to create a NZ LOX industry as well. He gave it in response to the question, will Neutron only be launching from Wallops; basically saying yes, because can’t from NZ due to no LOX. But no one ever questions him on one key salient point: you can’t do all orbits for customers from Wallops- which severely limits Neutron from ever competing w/Falcon 9, for example, which can (from the two coasts). - Dave Huntsman
when rampage
Go Rocket Lab!
When is Neutron First Prototype Launch ? !!!! Engine test fire footage... ?
Q1/Q2 2025 for first launch maybe….
April/May 2024 engine hot fire..maybe
😎😎😎
Did she say "American soil"?
Yes. And I’m not sure why you’re asking. 🤷♂️ Wallops is in Virginia, which is American soil. Their other launch site is in New Zealand, which is not.
Rocket Lab operates in NZ and the US. That’s why they fly both flags in their factories
Why is Rocket Lab at Wallops? DARPA, NRO, USSF!
Yep. Less than a day’s drive from their headquarters. 😂
Go Neutron! The world awaits.
1빠😂
first
GO ROCKET.LAB GO