Engine, Rutherford, Rocket Lab
The Rutherford engine was designed and built by Rocket Lab for its Electron launch vehicle, which primarily launches small satellites. This engine is the vacuum-optimized engine that is used in the rocket's second stage. The Rutherford engine uses RP-1 (a type of refined, rocket-grade kerosene) and liquid oxygen (LOX) as the propellants. It produces 5,800 pounds-force (lbf) of thrust with a specific impulse of 343 seconds.
The major components for the Rutherford engine are produced via additive manufacturing (3D printing). The components created through 3D printing include the regeneratively cooled thrust chamber, injector, two pumps, and main propellant valves. The process takes around 24 hours to complete, which has the potential to help support a high launch cadence.
This engine was donated by Rocket Lab in 2022.
Display Status
This object is on display in Futures In Space at the National Air and Space Museum in Washington, DC.
