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Space
Space
Science
Tariq Malik

Virginia is for (space) lovers: Rocket Lab opens new seaside launch pad for reusable Neutron rocket

Rocket Lab Neutron Peter Beck United States Virginia Glenn Youngkin SpaceX Astrology Earth Electron
A zoomed out image of a the Rocket Lab launch complex, with a tall black water tower overlooking several buildings next to a wetland.

WALLOPS ISLAND, Va. — A new reusable rocket with jaws like a cosmic hippo, an innovative booster built by the company Rocket Lab, finally has its first launch pad on the Virginia coast and could make its first flight by the end of the year.

The novel booster, called Neutron, is Rocket Lab's newest and the company's first purpose-built reusable rocket to tap into the medium-size satellite launch market. The first flight is expected by the end of 2025 from the company's new pad, Launch Complex 3, which Rocket Lab CEO Peter Beck officially opened for business on Thursday (Aug. 28).

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