Rocket Lab has entered into an agreement with the US Transportation Command (USTRANSCOM) to explore the use of their Neutron and Electron launch vehicles for cargo transportation globally, as reported by Interesting Engineering.
(Photo : Kai Schwoerer/Getty Images)
CHRISTCHURCH, NEW ZEALAND - JULY 27: Rocket Lab CEO Peter Beck speaks during the 83rd Annual National Party Conference at Christchurch Town Hall on July 27, 2019 in Christchurch, New Zealand.
Electron and Neutron
The Electron Launch Vehicle has been part of 28 launches and deployment of 148 satellites. However, it is only a small launch vehicle with a payload capability of up to 700 pounds.
Missions get bigger and Rocket Lab plans to use Neutron, its reusable launch vehicle, as it has a medium-lift capability. The Neutron has a large five-meter fairing and payload capacity of 13 tonnes, which makes it ideal for large, single spacecraft missions. It is scheduled to start flying in 2024.
Due to the limits of a conventional aircraft, USTRANSCOM and its global Combatant Command may benefit from rocket-based cargo transport that could help move military cargo a lot faster during global emergencies.
Therefore, it has signed a Cooperative Research and Development Agreement (CRADA) with RocketLab to find ways on how rocket-based transport can be integrated into Defense logistics and how it can be used reliable in future operations.
According to CRADA, the two organizations will work together to explore the capabilities of all RocketLab's launch vehicles. This also paves the way for Rocket Lab to use Photon as an on-orbit cargo depot and develop re-entry delivery capability.
On a press release, Peter Beck, Rocket Lab's founder and CEO said, "Point-to-point transportation offers a new ability to move equipment quickly around the world in hours, enabling a faster response to global emergencies and natural disasters. We're excited to be collaborating with USTRANSCOM on this forward-thinking, innovative research program that could ultimately shift the way the Department of Defense considers logistic response options."
Also Read: Rocket Lab Neutron: Virginia to be the Center of its Production and MIssion-But When is It Coming?
US Military's Partnerships
Rocket Lab is not the only company that the US Military is considering for their point-to-point transportation needs. Early this year, the Air Force struck a deal with SpaceX for $102 million to make rocket deliveries of military cargo and humanitarian supplies.
However, that deal is different than the one with Rocket Lab. Through CRADAs, federal agencies will provide facilities, equipment, expertise, and other services, but not the funding, to private companies and other non-federal entities.
Yet, Rocket Lab and SpaceX both want to use their launch vehicles for cargo transport, although for now, they are only working with the military.
Hence, the benefits of point-to-point transportation are beginning to gain traction in the US. It could offer faster, more reliable transportation compared to the current cargo planes.
On the other hand, the concept is not new. It is something that has long been discussed in the industry, but there is a lot of red tape. Therefore, it will be interesting to see how Rocket Lab and SpaceX will proceed with their point-to-point cargo transport.
Related Article: Rocket Lab Announces New Program That Will Let Customers Have Their Payloads in Orbit Within 24 Hours
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Written by: April Fowell
