Rocket Lab boasted the first launch of the Archimedes reusable methane engine

Rocket Lab announced that on August 8, 2024, it conducted its first static fire test of the new Archimedes rocket engine. What’s important is that the proven engine is not some kind of prototype or half-baked product. This is actually a flight prototype, which will allow the first launch of a rocket with new engines before mid-2025.

Image source: Rocket Lab

The Archimedes test took place at NASA’s John Stennis Space Center in Hancock County, Mississippi. The engine developed a thrust of 102% of power, which approximately corresponds to a developed power of 75 tons at sea level. The company did not report the operating time of the engine, so it is difficult to judge its readiness for flight. However, the engine has not yet passed all stages of qualification and is not certified for installation on a rocket.

Rocket Lab is creating Archimedes engines for installation on the partially reusable Neutron medium rocket. The first stage of Neutron will have 7 Archimedes, and the second stage will have one to operate in a vacuum. A special feature of the new rocket will be a fairing integrated with the first stage. It will not be reset, but will begin to open like a flower bud or a clam shell in order to release the upper stage for further independent flight.

Rocket Lab timed the announcement of the successful testing of a new engine using methane/oxygen fuel pair to coincide with the announcement of results for the second quarter of 2024. During the reporting period, the company’s revenue increased to a record $106.3 million. A good result, although Rocket Lab still reports regular quarterly losses. In the second quarter, for example, it incurred them in the amount of $41.6 million. The reusable Neutron rocket, which will replace or complement the company’s disposable light Elektron rocket, will help it avoid losses and become profitable.