WALLOPS ISLAND, Va. (WAVY) – Construction of a new launch pad at NASA Wallops Flight Facility is underway.
According to a release, Rocket Lab USA announced on Tuesday that they signed a multi-launch agreement for their new medium-lift rocket Neutron. The rocket will launch from Rocket Lab Launch Complex 3 on Wallops Island.
Recently, two fuel tanks and a large water tower were installed near the pad in order to support a Neutron launch debut as early as 2026.
At 141 feet tall, this will be the largest rocket to ever lift off from the spaceport. The rocket itself will be able to lift up to 28 thousand pounds into Earth’s orbit.
Missions are expected to begin in mid-2026, with two launches for a confidential customer planning to create a constellation of satellites to orbit the Earth. These launches should be visible across the Hampton Roads region.
Rocket Lab states that Neutron is part of their strategy as a company to be able to deploy its own constellations and to deliver services from space.
“Constellation companies and government satellite operators are desperate for a break in the launch monopoly,” Rocket Lab founder and CEO Sir Peter Beck said. “They need a reliable rocket from a trusted provider, and one that’s reusable to keep launch costs down and make space more frequently accessible – and Neutron is strongly positioned to be that rocket that provides choice and value to the industry. We’ve changed the game before with Electron for dedicated small launch and HASTE for hypersonic technology tests, and we’re looking forward to Neutron doing the same for constellation operators and national security.”
Rocket Lab also states that Neutron is “strongly positioned” to capitalize on medium-lift launch requirements, with an expected over 10,000 launches by the end of 2030.
For more information on the new launch pad and rocket, click here.