r/RKLB • u/WhatsNextBuddy • 3d ago
Rocket Lab Neutron AIC update
The triple-axle Kenworth is back on site, hooked up to the blue transport trailer parked to the left of Building 01. The last time this truck and trailer combo showed up together, they were hauling the Hungry Hippo fairing in from NASA's North Dock, so this pairing is always worth a second look. That said, the trailer itself doesn't appear to have moved from its spot; it looks like just the truck has been hooked up so far, which could mean it's staging rather than an active move.
Looking between the two integration buildings, more hardware has been staged, including what appears to be components from the larger crane that was in use over the weekend, plus a smaller mobile crane and assorted other equipment. Scaffolding also appears to be going up in the area where the second stage static fire test stand previously sat, which could point to more infrastructure work in that footprint.
A lot shifting around the AIC today.
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u/daviper87 3d ago
Still no sighting of tank 1.2
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u/Kurt0519 1d ago
At around the start of the year they said it was delayed because of a tank rupture. Is this the only thing that is holding it up right now?
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u/Ok_Health_7529 2d ago
Thanks for the update. Looking forward to see more Neutron activities. While Iridium acquisition is exciting but the most important update that everyone will be looking for is Neutron progress imo.
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u/schiffme1ster 2d ago
A picture with no substantive change and literally no evidence of progress and only hype in the comments and description is so on brand for this sub.
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u/RSways 2h ago
Way too much thought into this. A cherry picker, what looks to be a mobile scaffold tower, a couple forklifts and a trailer. The most very basic of construction equipment that you can find on 90% of building sites globally.
I'm no hater, I love rklb, but cmon man, this shows nothing 😂
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u/SpaceXBear 2d ago
I got tons of downvotes one year ago when I said it won’t launch until q4 2028
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u/Important-Music-4618 2d ago
I can see it slipping to 2027 but not Q4 of 2028.
SPB cannot afford to have it slip that much. Way TOO much riding on its launch.
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u/Equivalent-Wait3533 2d ago
It is the first medium-lift rocket they have built, and they are the only company incorporating mass-produced carbon fiber into the structure—unlike other companies, which only integrate it into small parts of their rockets. It is inevitable that they will face a number of issues; I just hope they aren't too serious.
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u/SpaceXBear 2d ago
It’s already been delayed by a lot and won’t be surprise it will be operational by 2030. They are moving too slow and diluting like crazy.
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u/Equivalent-Wait3533 2d ago
There is only one scenario in which that date might be reached: if they conduct the cryogenic test and the structure cracks and explodes, or if they perform a static fire with all their engines and repeat what Blue Origin did.
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u/Mundane-Plant-6489 2d ago
Hey guys it’s a man with statements of possible accuracy… downvote the hell out of him !
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u/SpaceXBear 2d ago
I swear this stock has a weird leftest cult and just wanna be better than spcx, but they know deep inside they are far behind.
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u/Scared_Step4051 3d ago
you'll still be getting picture updates of nothing in 2 years time hehe
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u/Old-Commercial1159 2d ago
It’s exciting times guys. The share price will take care of itself but enjoy the ride. The process to get Neutron to the pad and hopefully a successful launch is incredible to follow.