The US Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) has selected Rocket Lab’s Neutron rocket to explore the potential of rapid, rocket-based cargo delivery to anywhere on Earth.
Part of the AFRL’s Rocket Cargo program, the mission will test how commercial launch systems might one day support point-to-point transportation of military supplies — a concept that could significantly transform global defense logistics.
A key aspect of the test will be Neutron’s ability to re-enter Earth’s atmosphere and land safely for reuse, making space-based cargo transport viable, cost-effective, and repeatable for defense missions.
Rocket Lab said the mission marks the beginning of a “new era of commercial launch capability” to advance global defense logistics for the country.
The flight is expected no earlier than 2026.
Setting a New Standard
Neutron is Rocket Lab’s medium-lift, two-stage launch vehicle, designed with reusability in mind. Its first stage handles the initial lift-off, while the second stage delivers payloads to orbit.
While the test is for rapid cargo delivery between locations on Earth, the platform is also designed to support missions beyond Earth, including space explorations and deep space transport.
It can carry up to 13,000 kilograms (28,660 pounds) to low Earth orbit, and up to 1,500 kilograms (3,300 pounds) to destinations like Mars or Venus.
“Neutron is a powerful new launch option that will set a new standard for performance, affordability, and reliability for government and commercial space users in medium launch,” Rocket Lab founder Peter Beck said.
“This opportunity for the US Air Force not only helps to advance space logistics, it also demonstrates a high degree of confidence by the DoD (US Department of Defense) in Neutron’s capabilities.”
Rocket Lab is currently working to secure National Security Space Launch certification for Neutron to compete for future military space launch missions.
