Office of Strategic Capital Issues Loan to Rocket Lab

The Office of Strategic Capital issued a conditional loan commitment to Rocket Lab USA, Inc. to accelerate the production and flight rate of the reusable Neutron rocket. While reports on the exact amount vary between $150 million and $270 million, the funding is intended to scale the manufacturing of rocket engines and carbon composite structures, upgrade infrastructure, and expand the company's maritime recovery fleet.

The Neutron rocket is designed to deliver payloads of approximately 13,000 kg to Low Earth Orbit for commercial, national security, and interplanetary missions. The company currently faces a growing backlog of missions extending into the early 2030s, though its maiden flight has been delayed until 2027.

This initiative is part of a broader strategy by the United States Department of War to diversify national security launch providers and reduce reliance on SpaceX's Falcon 9 as its commercial sales conclude. Under Secretary of War Emil Michael stated the investment aligns with President Trump's vision of space superiority as a vital component of American strength and security. To finalize the loan, Rocket Lab must satisfy specific financial, legal, and technical requirements.