Friday, September 2, 2022

Rocket Lab Has Successful Reused Rocket Engine Test

Long Beach-based Rocket Lab USA says it has successfully tested one of its Rutherford Engines, which was previously flown on one of its satellite launch missions. The test firing is the next step in being able to re-use the company's rocket engines, which would significantly reduce the company's cost in satellite launches. The company said its test fired the reused Rutherford Engine, which was launched on a mission in May of 2022, and caught by helicopter. The company said the test is a "significant technical achievement" to make the world's first reusable orbital small rocket. Rocket Lab launches small satellites--called cubesats--into space.