On November 26, 2018, the US private aerospace manufacturer Rocket Lab just announced the completion of a $ 140 million (970 million yuan) Series E financing. The company is known for using 3D printing technology to produce engines. Antarctic Bear has reported on the company many times. In March 2017, Rocket Lab completed a Series D financing and successfully obtained a USD 75 million (about RMB 516 million) investment. Earlier, the company stated that it will produce 100 3D printed Rutherford engines in 2018 to support the monthly launch rhythm by the end of 2018.
This round of financing was completed in September 2018 and brought the company's total valuation to over $ 1 billion.
Peter Beck, founder and CEO of Rocket Lab, commented, "This is an important year for Rocket Lab, with two successful orbital missions and another upcoming orbit, but for the global small satellite industry, Say, it has become more important now. "
"This funding will allow us to continue to expand our production scale to support our goals. It will also support us in establishing a new transmitter base and launch three major new research and development plans based on this."
Electronic Rocket at Rocket Lab's Launch Center
3D printed Rutherford engine
Rocket Lab was established in June 2006 with a mission to provide commercial customers with "fast and repeatable" launches of small satellite orbits. So far, according to the company's website counter, it has successfully launched 11 of these satellites into orbit.
The electron is the carrier that Rocket Lab sends the payload into space. The electronic car is 17 meters long and has a maximum payload of 225 kg. It is powered by nine Rutherford engines.
Fueled by oxygen and kerosene, all major Rutherford engines are 3D printed, and each build takes 24 hours. These engines have a peak thrust of 192 kN, or 41,500 pound-force (lbf).
"We are honored to lead the previous round of Rocket Lab and continue to make a strong contribution to this spending team in this round and beyond," said DCVC managing partner Matt Ocko.