Rocket Lab has successfully completed the first hot fire test of its Archimedes rocket engine, a crucial milestone for the development of the Neutron reusable rocket.

Conducted at NASA's Stennis Space Center in Mississippi, the test achieved an impressive 102% power during the engine's operation.

The Archimedes engine utilizes a cryogenic propellant mix of liquid oxygen and liquefied natural gas, enhancing both reusability and performance.

Designed for rapid reusability, the Archimedes engine aligns with Rocket Lab's commitment to sustainability and cost reduction in space launches.

Each Archimedes engine can produce up to 165,000 pounds of thrust, with nine engines on the first stage generating a total of 1,450,000 pounds-force.

The Neutron rocket is set to be the fastest commercially developed medium-class launch vehicle, with its inaugural launch scheduled for mid-2025.

Rocket Lab is advancing production and qualification of flight hardware for Neutron, ensuring all components are either in production or undergoing testing.

CEO Peter Beck expressed confidence that the successful hot fire test keeps Neutron on track for its planned launch timeline.

Beck highlighted the rapid development of the Archimedes engine, which transitioned from design to hot fire in just a couple of years.

Production of the Archimedes engines is taking place at Rocket Lab's Engine Development Complex in Long Beach, California.

Despite challenges, Rocket Lab anticipates a significant increase in launch activity in the fourth quarter of 2023, following a limited number of Electron launches.

In the second quarter of 2023, Rocket Lab reported record revenue of $106.3 million, reflecting a 71% increase from the same period in 2022.