The carbon composite first stage tank from the Electron rocket, successfully launched and recovered in January this year, has entered back into the standard Electron production line to undergo final acceptance testing and qualification ahead of reflight. Rocket Lab USA, Inc. (Nasdaq: RKLB) (“Rocket Lab” or “the Company”) today announced it is returning a previously flown Electron rocket first stage tank into the Electron production line for the first time in preparation for reflying the stage. The step is a significant milestone in Rocket Lab’s development program to make Electron the world’s first reusable small orbital launch vehicle. An Electron rocket that delivered satellites into orbit in January 2024 for Spire and NorthStar has returned to Rocket Lab's production line for final acceptance testing and eventual reflight, a milestone in the company's efforts to increase launch cadence by reusing the booster's first stage. (Photo: Business Wire) Rocket Lab has successfully
They’ve reflown an engine before, but not an entire booster. For this booster, it would be interesting to know what components (if any) they are planning on replacing before attempting a reflight. It would be quite a jump to go from a single reflown engine to entirely reflown engines in a single mission.