Get ready for a cosmic spectacle! Rocket Lab just opened its new Virginia launch pad, poised to launch the game-changing Neutron rocket. This reusable marvel with “jaws like a cosmic hippo” is set to redefine space access. What incredible missions will it enable from the U.S. East Coast?

Rocket Lab has officially inaugurated its new Launch Complex 3 at NASA’s Wallops Flight Facility in Wallops Island, Virginia, marking a significant step forward in the company’s ambitious plans for advanced space access. This state-of-the-art facility is poised to become the primary launch site for Rocket Lab’s innovative Neutron rocket, signaling a new era for reusable medium-lift launch capabilities from the U.S. East Coast.

The Neutron rocket, a groundbreaking development for Rocket Lab, represents the company’s first purpose-built reusable booster designed to cater to the burgeoning medium-size launch market. With its distinctive design, including a “cosmic hippo” like fairing, the Neutron is engineered for repeated flights, promising to revolutionize the economics and frequency of satellite deployments into various orbits. Its initial flight is anticipated by late 2025, launching from this newly established Virginia pad.

Located at Pad 0D within the Mid-Atlantic Regional Spaceport, Launch Complex 3 is a testament to sophisticated engineering, featuring a sleek design of concrete and steel adorned in Rocket Lab’s signature colors. CEO Peter Beck emphasized that the pad is more than just a static structure; it’s a “living, breathing, functioning machine” designed to offload numerous systems from the vehicle, streamlining operations and supporting a high flight rate for future Neutron launches.

Standing at an impressive 141 feet (43 meters) tall, the Neutron rocket is designed to lift substantial payloads of up to 28,660 pounds (13,000 kilograms) into Low Earth Orbit (LEO). Its fully reusable first stage is propelled by nine powerful Archimedes engines, fueled by liquid methane and liquid oxygen, showcasing a blend of efficiency and robust performance essential for demanding space missions. The rocket’s advanced carbon composite material contributes to its lightweight yet durable structure.

A truly novel aspect of the Neutron’s architecture is the strategic placement of its second stage inside the first stage, a departure from traditional rocket designs. This innovative configuration allows for the first stage’s metal “maw” to open wide, deploying the payload-bearing second stage into space. Following this deployment, the first stage is engineered to execute a precise return, capable of landing either on land or on a sea-based platform, paving the way for rapid reusability.

The Neutron’s development has seen a thoughtful evolution since its initial unveiling in 2021, reflecting Rocket Lab’s commitment to optimizing its capabilities. Notably, the engine count for the first stage increased from seven to nine, and the fairing size expanded to accommodate larger payloads. Furthermore, the company introduced the “Return On Investment” landing barge for sea-based recoveries, enhancing mission flexibility and demonstrating an adaptable approach to reusable rocket technology.

Rocket Lab has already secured significant interest and customer commitments for the Neutron, underscoring the market demand for its medium-lift capabilities. While the specific clients often remain confidential, the U.S. Air Force has already announced a cargo delivery mission slated for 2026. The company projects an ambitious launch cadence, targeting one test flight in 2025, three missions in 2026, and a consistent rate of seven Neutron flights annually thereafter.

The inauguration of Launch Complex 3 not only signifies a monumental achievement for Rocket Lab but also reinforces Virginia’s pivotal role in the burgeoning commercial space industry. Governor Glenn Youngkin lauded the addition of the Neutron rocket to the region’s commercial fleet, anticipating an influx of both tourists and business. This new launch capability promises to ensure resilient and assured space access for the nation, propelling both technological advancement and regional economic growth.