'Pressure is on': Inside Rocket Lab's Neutron Test Program

Rocket Lab is down to the testing phase for its reusable rocket, Neutron, as it targets a debut launch later this year. The project's lead engineer takes us inside the qualification program underway at multiple sites across the USA. Subscribe to Business with Madison:    / @businesswithmadison   Guest: Shaun D'Mello, Rocket Lab Neutron Vice President TIMESTAMPS: 00:00 - Intro 02:32 - The first Neutron conversation 03:54 - Scaling the Neutron team: 5 to 500 05:53 - Building in public: “The pressure is on” 08:07 - Design consequences of a bigger rocket 09:40 - Inside the qualification programme: Hungry Hippo fairing thermal testing 13:20 - Thrust structure: 125% max load test 15:39 - Stage 1 rebuild: 3D printing timeline 18:24 - Usability of AFP machine 19:10 - Archimedes engine update: Testing & build rate 21:31 - Avionics & flight software for debut flight 23:20 - Regulation required 24:07 - Reusability: Splashdown & stage recovery 26:25 - Flight 2 components in production 27:23 - Aircraft-like operations 30:05 - Allowance for future iterations 31:58 - Multi-planetary missions & human spaceflight 33:32 - “This is going to be something that’s never been done before.” 34:27 - Likelihood of 2026 debut launch 35:06 - How the team is hustling Disclaimer: I own shares in Rocket Lab. This content is of a general nature and is not intended to be personalized financial advice. It in no way serves as a stock recommendation.