Rocket Cargo missionRocket Cargo. © Rocket Lab

The U.S. Air Force is working on a new transport system called Rocket Cargo, which could one day deliver up to 100 tonnes of cargo or people anywhere on Earth in less than 90 minutes.

To help with this effort, Rocket Lab—a company known for launching rockets and building space systems—will launch its new reusable rocket, Neutron, for a U.S. Air Force Research Lab mission. The goal is to test how well the rocket can deliver cargo through space and back down to Earth. The launch could happen as soon as 2026.

Rocket Cargo mission (3)Rocket Cargo. © Rocket Lab

This mission is part of the Air Force’s REGAL program (Rocket Experimentation for Global Agile Logistics), which aims to create a fast, rocket-powered delivery system using commercial rockets. The test will include sending the rocket into space and then bringing it back through Earth’s atmosphere to prove it can handle re-entry.

Rocket Cargo mission (2)Rocket Cargo. © Rocket Lab

Rocket Lab’s Neutron rocket is designed to carry up to 13,000 kg to low Earth orbit and will be available for both military and commercial missions.

Rocket Cargo mission (1)Rocket Cargo. © Rocket Lab

source Rocket Lab