Rocket Lab Corp. (NASDAQ:RKLB) completed a full-duration hot-fire test of its Archimedes Vacuum engine on Monday, marking a critical milestone for the company’s Neutron rocket as it targets a debut flight in late 2026.
Vacuum Engine Clears Key Neutron Test
The Archimedes Vacuum, or AVac, engine will power Neutron’s second stage. Rocket Lab said the engine completed a full-duration burn and called the work "critical preparation for Neutron’s first flight." The vacuum variant produces about 1.2 times the thrust of the first-stage Archimedes engine and is 2.5 meters taller because of its longer, space-optimized nozzle.
Neutron is Rocket Lab’s 141-foot medium-lift rocket, designed to carry up to 13,000 kilograms to low Earth orbit and eventually return its first stage for reuse. The rocket will fly from Launch Complex 3 at the Mid-Atlantic Regional Spaceport within NASA’s Wallops Flight Facility in Virginia.
Rocket Lab had pushed Neutron’s debut to late 2026 after its first-stage propellant tank ruptured during a hydrostatic pressure test in January. The company said at the time that it intentionally tests structures to their limits to validate safety margins, while outside reports said the setback forced manufacturing and structural changes.
Space Force Mission Adds Company Momentum
The engine test follows other high-profile wins. Rocket Lab said its Victus Haze mission for the U.S. Space Force launched 16 hours and 42 minutes after notice, commissioned its Pioneer spacecraft within 38 hours and completed rendezvous and proximity operations in less than 59 hours. CEO Peter Beck said Rocket Lab had set "the new standard in responsive space."
Rocket Lab also agreed to buy Iridium Communications Inc. (NASDAQ:IRDM) in an $8 billion deal, giving it access to Iridium’s satellite network, spectrum and more than 2.5 million subscribers. Reuters reported that the acquisition is intended to bring Rocket Lab closer to Space Exploration Technologies Corp.‘s (NASDAQ:SPCX) vertically integrated model.
Reusable Rivals Shape Neutron’s Launch Market
Neutron would enter a market shaped by reusable U.S. rockets. AP reported that SpaceX has completed more than 600 booster landings and recently flew one Falcon 9 booster for a 36th time, while Amazon.com Inc. (NASDAQ:AMZN) CEO Jeff Bezos-backed Blue Origin has recovered New Shepard and New Glenn boosters.
Price Action: The test gave Rocket Lab shares some relief after a six-session slide. RLB stock was up 2.76% to $78.85 in Tuesday’s pre-market trading. The company is expected to report second-quarter results around Aug. 6.
Benzinga Edge Rankings scorecard for Rocket Lab stock shows a strong momentum score and a favorable price trend in the Long term.
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