Rocket Lab’s Neutron rocket tank ruptured during qualification testing. This threatens to delay its first flight.
On January 21, Rocket Lab issued a statement announcing that the Neutron first stage tank had ruptured during a hydrostatic pressure test. During such tests, the tank is filled with water and subjected to pressure, typically exceeding its rated specifications, to check for leaks and confirm structural integrity.
“Failures during qualification tests are not uncommon,” the company said. “We deliberately test designs to their limits to verify their integrity and margin of safety and to ensure that all stringent requirements for a successful launch can be easily met.”
Although such events are to be expected during qualification testing, it appears that in this case the release was not intentional, as Rocket Lab has stated that it is assessing its impact on the Neutron development schedule.
The Neutron rocket is a partially reusable medium-class launch vehicle capable of delivering up to 13 tons of payload to low Earth orbit in a configuration with first-stage recovery. The rocket has an innovative design, the main feature of which is that during launch, the second stage will be “hidden” inside the first stage, equipped with an opening fairing.
The idea is that upon reaching the desired stage of flight, the first stage of Neutron will open the fairing like a giant mouth and release the second stage with its payload. After that, the first stage will close again and return to Earth, while the second stage will activate its engine and deliver the cargo to the desired orbit. A modified 120-meter Return On Investment barge will be used to land the first stage.
Neutron’s first flight was supposed to take place last year, but then the company postponed it until 2026. In November, it was reported that it would take place in the first quarter. It is not yet known whether the tank accident will affect these dates.
