Rocket Lab, the aerospace company known for its innovative launch systems, has been selected by the U.S. Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) for an experimental mission under the Rocket Cargo program. The project will utilize Rocket Lab’s medium-lift, reusable Neutron rocket to explore point-to-point cargo delivery via space—potentially enabling ultra-fast transport of supplies anywhere on Earth within hours.

Figure 1. 28,660-Pound-Capacity Rocket.

The upcoming mission is part of a broader U.S. military initiative to evaluate whether commercial rockets can revolutionize global logistics and defense mobility. Though still in the early development phase, the mission is slated for 2026 or later and will serve as a "survivability experiment" to test re-entry and cargo deployment capabilities. Rocket Lab has not disclosed the financial details of the agreement. Figure 1 shows 28,660-Pound-Capacity Rocket.

neutron: A Heavy Hitter in Space Logistics

The Neutron rocket is engineered to deliver up to 28,660 pounds (13,000 kilograms) to low Earth orbit. For the upcoming mission, Neutron will carry a payload specifically designed to survive re-entry, demonstrating its potential for safe, rapid cargo delivery. Additional payloads will also be part of the mission.

Beyond cargo transport, Neutron is expected to support satellite deployments, national security operations, and scientific exploration missions.

“Neutron is a powerful new launch option that will set a new standard for performance, affordability, and reliability for both government and commercial space users,” said Rocket Lab CEO and founder Sir Peter Beck.

The rocket is currently on track for its first launch in 2025. Construction of the launch pad at Wallops Island, Virginia, is progressing alongside rocket development [1]. To support ocean-based payload recovery, Rocket Lab is modifying an offshore barge—aptly named "Return on Investment"—which will serve as a landing platform for reusable missions.

Competing for National Security Launch Contracts In addition to the Rocket Cargo mission, Rocket Lab has achieved another major milestone: eligibility to compete for National Security Space Launch (NSSL) Phase 3 Lane 1 contracts.

In March 2025, the U.S. Space Force’s Space Systems Command (SSC) expanded its list of eligible launch providers, adding Rocket Lab and Stoke Space to a competitive field that includes Blue Origin, SpaceX, and United Launch Alliance (ULA).

This inclusion allows Rocket Lab to bid for specific national security launch service orders, with the government planning to award at least 30 missions under this program. The total value of these task orders is expected to reach $5.6 billion.

Reference:

1. https://interestingengineering.com/innovation/rocket-lab-rocket-experiment-global-cargo-delivery

Cite this article:

Keerthana S (2025), U.S. Military Eyes Ultra-Fast Orbital Cargo Delivery with Rocket Lab’s 28,660-Pound-Capacity Rocket, AnaTechMaz, pp.383