Rocket Lab has been awarded an $8 million contract by the U.S. Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) to enhance digital engineering processes for its Archimedes rocket engine, the company announced on Nov. 12. Archimedes, a liquid oxygen and methane-fueled engine, is set to power both stages of Rocket Lab’s upcoming Neutron rocket, a medium-lift, reusable vehicle expected to debut in 2025.
A hot-fire test of Rocket Lab’s Archimedes engine, to be used on its Neutron rocket. Credit: Rocket Lab
The AFRL contract will enable Rocket Lab to showcase advanced digital engineering techniques for Archimedes, underscoring the U.S. military’s interest in Neutron as a potential launch vehicle for government missions under the National Security Space Launch (NSSL) program. “This project supports smoother integration of Neutron into the NSSL program,” said Rocket Lab CEO Peter Beck.
Rocket Lab recently confirmed its plans to bid for NSSL Phase 3 Lane 1 missions, which are open to new providers like Neutron. While the company’s Electron rocket currently leads the small-launch market, Rocket Lab has been developing Neutron to meet the growing needs of both commercial satellite operators and the U.S. military.
Rocket Lab already employs digital engineering processes across its operations, including for Electron. This contract will allow the company to expand those processes to Archimedes, particularly focusing on how the technology can interface with federal agencies for critical tasks like NSSL launch certification. A company spokesperson noted that the project will strengthen Rocket Lab’s capacity to integrate digital engineering standards in collaboration with federal clients.
AFRL program leader Frank Friedl highlighted the significance of this partnership, stating it will aid the lab’s efforts to “develop a digital engineering technology ecosystem that reduces cost, schedule, and risk throughout Space Force programs.”
The contract also includes options to expand digital engineering throughout Neutron’s propulsion system and lay the groundwork for a digital framework that aligns with the requirements of the NSSL Phase 3 Lane 1 program.
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