Is Rocket Lab's Neutron Rocket a True Competitor to SpaceX's Falcon 9?

In summary, Rocket Lab is developing the Neutron rocket as a competitor to SpaceX's Falcon9. Unlike SpaceX's original plans for the Falcon, Neutron will use composites for tankage and airframe. However, SpaceX ultimately switched to stainless steel for their Starship due to cost and speed considerations. Neutron will also have an expendable second stage, avoiding the need to withstand atmospheric entry at orbital velocities.
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The Neutron is the rocket that Rocket Lab intends to compete with SpaceX's Falcon9. Still in development Rocket Lab is planning to use composites for tankage and airframe. Didn't SpaceX try this for the Falcon but abandoned it in favor of proprietary stainless steel?

https://www.teslarati.com/rocket-lab-reusable-neutron-rocket-first-hardware/
 
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The Falcon 9 tanks are aluminium, the interstage and fairing are carbon fiber plus aluminium.
SpaceX originally wanted to build Starship using carbon fibers and got a giant tool for it but then switched to steel - cheaper, faster to work with, and it can withstand higher temperatures.

Neutron will use an expendable second stage so it doesn't have to worry about atmospheric entry at orbital velocities. The first stage is much slower.
 
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Related to Is Rocket Lab's Neutron Rocket a True Competitor to SpaceX's Falcon 9?

1. What is Rocket Lab's Neutron Rocket?

Rocket Lab's Neutron Rocket is a medium-lift launch vehicle designed to carry payloads of up to 8,000 kg to low Earth orbit. It is currently in development and is expected to have its first launch in 2024.

2. What makes the Neutron Rocket unique?

The Neutron Rocket will be the first launch vehicle developed by Rocket Lab that is capable of carrying larger payloads. It will also be powered by Rocket Lab's new engine, the Neutron Engine, which uses liquid oxygen and methane propellants.

3. How tall is the Neutron Rocket?

The Neutron Rocket will stand at 40 meters tall, making it slightly taller than Rocket Lab's current launch vehicle, the Electron Rocket, which stands at 18 meters tall.

4. What is the expected cost of launching a payload on the Neutron Rocket?

The cost of launching a payload on the Neutron Rocket has not yet been announced. However, Rocket Lab has stated that it will be significantly lower than the cost of other medium-lift launch vehicles currently on the market.

5. What types of payloads will the Neutron Rocket be able to carry?

The Neutron Rocket will be able to carry a wide range of payloads, including satellites, cargo for the International Space Station, and even future crewed missions. Its larger payload capacity will also allow for the launch of multiple payloads on a single mission, making it more cost-effective for customers.

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