
Rutherford Engines
Rutherford Engines are a type of electric pump-fed rocket engine developed by Rocket Lab, a private spaceflight company. These engines use an electric motor to drive their turbopumps, which feed propellants into the combustion chamber. The use of electric motors instead of gas generators makes Rutherford Engines simpler, more reliable, and more efficient than traditional rocket engines. They are also capable of multiple restarts, which is important for small satellite launch vehicles. Rutherford Engines are currently used on Rocket Lab's Electron rocket, which is designed to launch small payloads into low Earth orbit.
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