Yes, Rocket Lab is blowing up engines. No, it’s not a big deal, CEO says.
Summary
Ars Technica reports Rocket Lab’s Archimedes engine tests included an anomaly causing significant infrastructure damage, though the company claims there is no schedule impact as it develops the Archimedes engine and the Neutron rocket. CEO Pete Beck emphasizes that pushing engines to failure is part of identifying safe operating margins. The piece places the events in the broader context of rocket testing practices and public coverage of engine testing.