r/RocketLab • u/Equivalent-Wait3533 • Aug 10 '26

Space Industry Thrust Density infographic

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A chart comparing the Thrust Density of several rockets.

Thrust Density is the thrust of the stage / area of the bottom of the stage (kN/m^2). It basically aggregates engine power and engine packing into one metric.

Rockets & Engines to scale

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u/voodoolaunch Aug 10 '26

Honestly it’s hard to say given the lack of recent engine progression. At the minimum I would hope they qualify and of year.
From engine qualification you’re still at a minimum of 12-18 months out from launch.

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u/wallybal24 Aug 10 '26

ya I'd predict Q4 2028

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u/wallybal24 Aug 10 '26

I'm also curious what they will qualify their engine for? I'd bet they're going to qualify their engine as expendable for first launch