Alex Preston's questions to Rocket Lab USA Inc (RKLB) leadership • Q1 2025
Question
Alex Preston, on for Ron Epstein, asked about the potential for Neutron to transition from NSSL's Lane 1 to the more demanding Lane 2 awards in the future.
Answer
CEO Peter Beck explained that transitioning to Lane 2 is unlikely under current rules, as it requires extremely high-cost infrastructure, including launch sites at both Vandenberg and Cape Canaveral and a heavy-lift vehicle capable of over 30 tonnes. He noted that the Space Force created Lane 1 specifically to leverage emerging medium-lift vehicles like Neutron, providing a more affordable and faster launch option for many missions.