Rocket Lab Unveils New Pad as Firm Preps First Neutron Rocket Launch
Launch Complex 3 supports the Neutron rocket's reusable design, enabling payloads up to 33,000 pounds for commercial and national security missions, with construction completed in under two years.
- Rocket Lab officially opened Launch Complex 3 at Wallops Island, Virginia, on August 28, 2025, as a dedicated test, launch, and landing site for its reusable Neutron rocket.
- Construction began in late 2023 and completed in under two years, involving over 60 contractors including many local Virginia workers and companies.
- Launch Complex 3 complements Rocket Lab's global assets with four launch pads across two locations, supporting Neutron's medium-lift missions for commercial and national security customers.
- Neutron stands 141 feet tall, lifts up to 13,000 kilograms to low Earth orbit, features a fully reusable first stage powered by nine Archimedes engines, and uses an innovative integrated second stage.
- The pad expands U.S. launch capacity and ensures resilient space access, with Rocket Lab targeting Neutron's first flight by the end of 2025 to support exploration, economic growth, and national security.
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Virginia is for (space) lovers: Rocket Lab opens new seaside launch pad for reusable Neutron rocket
Rocket Lab opened its new Launch Complex 3 on Aug. 28 to launch Neutron rockets capable of returning to Earth for later reuse as the company chases the medium-lift satellite rocket.
Governor Glenn Youngkin Celebrates Virginia’s New Rocket Launch Pad
Tweet Rocket Lab Launch Complex 3, located at the Virginia Spaceport Authority’s Launch Pad 0-D within the Mid-Atlantic Regional Spaceport, will be the first launch site in the world for Rocket Lab’s brand-new reusable Neutron rocket RICHMOND, VA – Governor Glenn Youngkin today joined Rocket Lab CEO Sir Peter Beck to celebrate the opening of Rocket Lab’s Launch Complex 3, located at Pad 0-D at the Virginia Spaceport Authority’s Mid-Atlantic Regi…
Rocket Lab's Neutron launch pad now complete at Wallops Island
WALLOPS ISLAND, Va. (WAVY) — The Virginia Spaceport Authority's Mid-Atlantic Regional Spaceport's Launch Complex 3, home for Rocket Lab's newest reusable rocket, Neutron, is now complete and celebrated its official opening Thursday. Officials said Launch Complex 3 is ready to bring the largest orbital launch capacity in the Spaceport's history with Neutron, Rocket Lab's reusable launch vehicle, a medium-lift vehicle, capable of launching 33,000 …
Rocket Lab opens launch complex for Neutron rocket - SatellitePro ME
Photo credit: Rocket Lab Rocket Lab has official opened Launch Complex 3, its dedicated test, launch, and landing facility for its reusable rocket Neutron. Located within the Virginia Spaceport Authority’s (VSA) Mid-Atlantic Regional Spaceport (MARS) at Pad 0D on Wallops Island, Virginia, Launch Complex 3 stands ready to deliver reportedly the largest orbital launch capacity in the Spaceport’s history with Neutron: Rocket Lab’s reusable launch v…
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