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First hot fire of the Archimedes methane engine that will power Neutron
Rocket Lab completed the first static-fire test of its Archimedes methane/liquid oxygen engine on August 8, 2024, at NASA's Stennis Space Center in Mississippi, reaching 102% of rated power. The flight-ready engine, capable of 165,000 pounds of thrust, anchors Neutron's design and moves the company into full qualification and production of flight engines, targeting Neutron's first launch in mid-2025.
- Hot fire: August 8, 2024, NASA Stennis Space Center, Mississippi.
- Performance: reached 102% of rated power; flight-ready engine.
- Thrust: up to 165,000 pounds; oxidizer-rich staged-combustion cycle.
- Status: design anchored; full qualification campaign underway; flight engine production ramping.
- Neutron first flight: targeted for mid-2025.