Rocket Lab is actively moving forward with its plan to build its own cluster satellite network.

As part of its strategic moves in recent years, Rocket Lab has been vigorously pursuing mergers and acquisitions to strengthen its capabilities in rocket and satellite development, accelerating the expansion of its value chain through vertical integration.

Rocket Lab's current plan shows a direction similar to SpaceX's Starlink project.

Like SpaceX, which is expanding its global internet service business through rocket launchers and cluster satellites, Rocket Lab also aims to build its own cluster satellite network by combining rocket and satellite development.

Rocket Lab's CEO Peter Beck stated in the Q2 earnings call on August 8th, "We own both the rockets and the satellites, which gives us a significant advantage in building our own cluster satellites."

Beck also emphasized, "Since we manufacture and launch our satellites directly, we will not face difficulties due to launch schedules or cost issues."

This statement highlights Rocket Lab's competitive edge in a market where most satellite operators struggle with launch schedules and costs.

While Rocket Lab has not yet revealed detailed specifics of its cluster satellite plan, it is focusing on enhancing related capabilities through mergers and acquisitions.

Furthermore, the success of this plan depends on the development of its next-generation rocket, Neutron.

The Neutron rocket, a partially reusable medium-lift launcher, is expected to play a crucial role in enhancing the cost-effectiveness of building cluster satellites.

The core of this rocket, the Archimedes engine, successfully completed its first ground combustion test at NASA's Stennis Space Center in Mississippi on August 8th.

The engine uses liquid oxygen (LOX) and methane as fuel, and Neutron's first orbital launch is scheduled for mid-2025.

The Neutron rocket has a height of 43 meters, a diameter of 7 meters, and can carry up to 1.3 tons of payload to low Earth orbit.

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