Rocket Lab commenced the firing up of a Rutherford engine from one of its space-flow Electron boosters this week. This event marks a milestone in the company’s efforts to develop boosters that are capable of going to space back and forth, like the first stages of SpaceX’s Falcon 9 does.
On Thursday, Rocket lab asserted in a press release that the engine performed to a similar standard of a newly built Rutherford engine, compared to early data from the 200-second test fire show.
The Electron is designed to facilitate dedicated rides for small satellites to orbit. This rocket stands at a height of 59-foot and features nine Rutherford engines in its first stage. Additionally, it features a smaller Curie engine in an optional third or the “kick” stage.
Rocket Lab is planning to facilitate reusability of the first stages of Electron. Their ultimate goal is to project falling boosters with a helicopter few moments after liftoff. They even accomplished this mission during the month of May this year. Back then, the chopper dropped the booster into the Pacific Ocean soon. However, Rocket Lab retrieved it with the help of a boat and pulled it back to the shore.
That same booster donated the Rutherford engine for the test carried out this week.
Founder and CEO of Rocket Lab, Beck expressed on Thursday in the press release that, if they can achieve such high performance from engine components recovered from the ocean, he is optimistic of what they can do when they bring dry engines under the helicopter next time.
