with its upcoming Prime rocket, but Rocket Lab would be the first to achieve the feat. Several other smallsat launchers have plans for reusability, such as Orbex in the U.K. If successful, the Electron – which is about a quarter the size of SpaceX’s reusable Falcon 9 rocket – will be the only smallsat launcher in the world capable of reuse. Ultimately the company hopes to operate “a smallest fleet as possible”, according to Beck, once it can start recovering and reusing its rockets.Įach Electon can currently launch about 300 kilograms of satellites into orbit, with the planned reusability only expected to reduce that by a modest 15 kilograms. “If we’ve got a smoldering stump, then there’s really not too much point in catching a smoldering stump with the helicopter.” “If we’ve got a stage in just awesome condition, and everything functioned as expected, then we’ll move really quickly to try and snatch it with a helicopter,” says Beck. Rocket Lab says it will perform several more tests like this on upcoming launches before it attempts a full recovery mission with a mid-air helicopter grab, potentially some time in 2021, to make sure everything runs smoothly. If you want to support us in our mission, and receive original interviews and analysis, consider contributing with a subscription.The drop test earlier this year passed without a hitch. It means first-hand accounts of a SpaceX rocket launch, Tesla insights from third-party analysts, and more. Our job is to report the events we find important, giving you the inside look at the worlds of space rockets, electric cars, clean energy, and more. We are not Elon Musk, nor are we employed by him. MUSK READS+ is a fully independent operation. Supporting original, independent journalism.An archive of previous subscriber-only content, so you can easily read back over what you might have missed.Community-focused extras like responses to reader mail, an upcoming event calendar, and notable anniversaries.Original interviews and reporting, longform analysis, previews, and recaps of major events, including earnings calls and more.Three emails per week, enabling fans to go deeper into the week’s stories.Here is what you will gain from subscribing to MUSK READS+ : TO READ THE FULL INTERVIEW, SUBSCRIBE TO MUSK READS+. “You don't go to all the trouble of building a rocket for no market,” he says. ![]() While he may dream about exploring Venus, he knows the money needs to come from somewhere. Pragmatic yet inspiring, Beck’s approach is a reminder that finding a clear business case doesn’t necessarily mean giving up on bigger dreams. ![]() “It’s about right-sizing the vehicle for the majority of the market,” Beck tells Inverse. Together, Beck claims the two can lift 90 percent of spacecraft planned for the next decade or so. The reusable rocket has completed 22 launches and successfully deployed 107 satellites. The Neutron rocket pairs with the Electron, the existing small rocket capable of sending 300 kg (661 pounds) to low-Earth orbit. Want to know more about Rocket Labs’ big plans, how it could aid deep space missions, and how a unique design choice offers key improvements to rockets? Read the full interview with Peter Beck, only in MUSK READS+. ![]() A “ hungry hippo” fairing that stays fixed to the first stage.A unique Rocket Lab carbon composite material that makes the rocket lighter than ever - the first of its kind.A wide, static base instead of deployable landing legs.The “ lightest upper stage ever, in history”.A unique, curved shape that enables rapid reusability.The latest update video showed a series of fascinating features for Neutron: Venus, of course, is a pet favorite of Beck’s - see Musk Reads+ #9 for more on that.
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