Rocket Lab, one of the leading companies in the aerospace sector , is taking a major step forward with the installation of the AFP (automated fiber placement) machine, the largest of its kind, for the production of the Neutron rocket . This carbon fiber rocket is the largest ever built in its class and its production will be significantly optimized thanks to this innovative technology.
What is the AFP machine and how does it work?
The AFP is a 12-meter-tall, 75-tonne autonomous 3D printer designed to lay down layers of carbon fibre quickly and precisely. Unlike a traditional printer, the AFP lays down these sheets in multiple directions, creating a robust structure that ensures the strength and rigidity needed for the Neutron rocket .
This machine has an impressive capacity: it can move 30 meters laterally and produce layers at a speed of 100 meters per minute , allowing the manufacture of large structures such as the Neutron’s 28-meter-long interlayer and fairing. It is also responsible for the layering of the rocket’s first and second stage tanks, which have a diameter of 7 meters and 5 meters respectively.
An innovative feature of the AFP is its automated inspection system, which scans carbon fiber structures for defects in real time. If any imperfections are detected, the system alerts the operator before proceeding to the placement of the next layer. This process ensures that each part of the rocket meets the strict quality standards that Rocket Lab demands for its reusable launches.
The use of AFP represents a significant improvement in the production of reusable rockets. With this new technology, Rocket Lab expects to save more than 150,000 man-hours in building Neutron’s carbon fiber structures, speeding up manufacturing and reducing production costs. This will make the Neutron rocket more affordable, faster, and easier to produce—a crucial advancement in the space industry.
The Neutron rocket will be launched in 2025
Rocket Lab has ambitious plans to launch the first Neutron rocket in 2025. This rocket will be the first medium-lift vehicle built from carbon fiber and is designed for satellite constellation missions, national security missions, and space exploration beyond Earth orbit.
Its payload capacity of up to 13,000 kg into low Earth orbit makes it a key player for the future of the space industry.
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Source and internal photo: Rocket Lab
Main photo: shutterstock
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