Manifest Space: National Security Space Launch’s New Partners with Rocket Lab CEO Peter Beck 3/28/25
Mar 28, 2025
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Peter Beck, Founder and CEO of Rocket Lab, dives into the exciting partnership with the U.S. Space Force for the National Security Space Launch program. He discusses the strategic importance of their new Neutron rocket, a game-changer in the medium-lift category. Beck highlights the financial potential of $5.6 billion and how their innovative approach, including reusability and a unique splashdown strategy, positions Rocket Lab against industry giants. He also shares insights on the evolving competitive landscape of space launch services.
Rocket Lab's selection for the NSSL program marks a pivotal $5.6 billion opportunity to compete in national security space launches.
The development of the Neutron rocket aims to strengthen Rocket Lab's capabilities and reliability for government and commercial payloads.
Deep dives
Rocket Lab's National Security Opportunity
Rocket Lab has been selected to compete in the National Security Space Launch Phase 3, Lane 1 category, opening up a significant $5.6 billion opportunity over the next four years. This selection places Rocket Lab in an exclusive group of aerospace companies, including SpaceX and Blue Origin, trusted to transport sensitive national security payloads. The CEO, Peter Beck, emphasizes the responsibility that comes with this trust and highlights the significance of being able to bid for various launch contracts. Moving forward, Rocket Lab aims to establish itself as a strong competitor in this elite sector, showcasing their capability to deliver important payloads securely.
Development of the Neutron Rocket
The Neutron rocket is a new medium-lift launch vehicle being developed by Rocket Lab, designed to enhance the company's capacity to serve both governmental and commercial clients. Beck confirms that the first flight of Neutron is scheduled for this year, which is a critical milestone in gaining certification to compete for national security launch contracts. The strategy includes a scheduled cadence of launches following the initial flight, focusing on both government missions and commercial payloads. Ultimately, Neutron is expected to solidify Rocket Lab's position in the medium-class launch market, addressing a current lack of alternatives in this sector.
The U.S. Space Force has tapped Rocket Lab and startup Stoke Space to join the National Security Space Launch program as part of NSSL’s Phase 3 Lane 1 category. For Rocket Lab, it represents a big opportunity for its new Neutron rocket, a medium-lift vehicle under development. Founder & CEO Peter Beck joins Morgan Brennan to discuss the new award, the timeline for Neutron, and Rocket Lab’s company outlook.
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