Archimedes second stage engine full duration burn - complete ✅ (and what a thing of beauty).
The AVac (Archimedes Vacuum) engine produces 1.2x lbf of its Stage 1 variant and stands ~2.5m taller thanks to its extended nozzle optimized for the vacuum conditions of space.
Recent AVac testing included a stub skirt for the nozzle. Since full length vacuum nozzles at ground level risk flow separation and instability, stub skirts are used to anchor our engineers' analysis for how the engine will perform with the full nozzle in vacuum conditions - all critical preparation for Neutron's first flight.
Mission success for VICTUS HAZE! 🚀🎯
We’ve officially completed the @usspaceforce@ussf_ssc primary mission which saw Rocket Lab build a high performance spacecraft, deliver rapid call-up launch on Electron, and conduct complex on-orbit rendezvous and proximity operations - all ahead of schedule.
⏱️ Launch: Lifted off with just 16h 42m notice - the fastest response ever for a TacRS mission (beating previous record by 10 hours).
🛰️ Commissioning: Activated our Pioneer spacecraft in 38 hours (30 hours ahead of deadline).
📸 RPO Operations: Tracked, approached, and photographed the target satellite in under 59 hours (25 hours ahead of deadline).