Rocket Lab is advancing its ambition to transform access to space with the announcement of a new contract awarded to Bollinger Shipyards. This collaboration will see a barge modified into an ocean landing platform to support operations of the Neutron rocket, Rocket Lab’s upcoming Rocket Lab’s upcoming reusable medium-lift rocket, Neutron..
Floating platform ready for Neutron rocket landings
In detail, the “Return On Investment” platform is currently under transformation at Bollinger’s Amelia, Louisiana facility. This shipyard, recognized as the largest privately owned shipbuilder in the United States, will apply its expertise in marine engineering to integrate state-of-the-art technology including autonomous ground support systems and specialized blast protection to secure the deck during landings.
The company is also strongly committed to the reuse of rockets and reuse of rockets as a key to scaling up its launch capacity and responding to the growing demand for commercial and government missions. Once operational, the platform will serve from the east coast of the U.S., facilitating the recovery of the first stage of the Neutron first stage and its return to the spaceport at Wallops Island, Virginia.
In addition, this infrastructure effort is part of Rocket Lab’s industrial expansion in the United States and reinforces its position as a provider of reliable, frequent and efficient launch services. The platform will optimize delivery and processing times for reusable rockets. reusable rocketsThe platform will optimize delivery and processing times for reusable rockets, increasing competitiveness in the space sector.
Scheduled for delivery in early 2026, this initiative consolidates the partnership between Rocket Lab and Bollinger Shipyards and reinforces the combination of aerospace engineering with advanced shipbuilding to create new solutions that drive the development of the modern space industry.
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Source and photo: Rocket Lab
