Caroline Mitterdorfer began her fertility journey after a cancer diagnosis at age 27. She co-founded Levy Health to help speed Read more
Large corporations typically play it safe when it comes to consumer hardware, sticking to incremental updates year after year. Lenovo, Read more
Welcome to the Edtech World Big news in the education tech world! PowerSchool, the edtech giant, recently experienced a data Read more
Telegram Expanding Access to Crypto Wallet Telegram is now offering its crypto wallet to its 87 million users in the Read more
Rocket Lab Requests Permission to Transport Neutron Rocket Structures to Virginia Spaceport
Rocket Lab has submitted a request to regulators for permission to transport oversized Neutron rocket structures through shallow waters to a spaceport off the coast of Virginia as it works towards meeting a September delivery deadline. This request, made in July, is a temporary measure while the company awaits federal approval to dredge a permanent channel to the Wallops Island site.
Launching Neutron from Wallops Island
Rocket Lab is planning to launch its Neutron medium-lift rocket from the Mid-Atlantic Regional Spaceport (MARS) on Wallops Island, Virginia, a spaceport with lower traffic surrounded by shallow channels and waterways. The company currently launches its Electron small rocket from this location.
Challenges and Solutions for Neutron Orbital Debut
Before Neutron can make its orbital debut, Rocket Lab must complete several tasks, including mating the rocket stages, conducting a “wet dress” rehearsal, and obtaining a launch license from the Federal Aviation Administration. However, the first step is getting the rocket hardware onto the island.
Dredging Project for Maritime Access
Rocket Lab has invested millions in the MARS site to support regular Neutron launches. The company plans to spend over $5 million to dredge the mile-long Sloop Gut to allow barges to deliver large Neutron rocket components. Although the dredging project was approved by the Virginia Marine Resources Commission in May, federal approval from the Army Corps of Engineers is still pending.
Temporary Methods for Hardware Deliveries
While awaiting federal approval, Rocket Lab and the Virginia Port Authority are seeking permission to use “kedging,” a nautical method, to ensure the first five hardware deliveries can arrive on schedule starting in September. This method involves using anchors and lines to navigate barges through shallow waters until the dredging work is complete.
Future Launch Plans and Challenges
Rocket Lab intends to launch Neutron’s maiden test mission in the second half of 2025. However, maritime access, not hardware delays, may pose a bottleneck for the first launch. The company has alternative methods for transporting hardware to the island, but these have been deemed infeasible for various reasons.
Importance of Maritime Access
The filings emphasize the importance of maritime access for Rocket Lab’s Virginia ambitions. The company’s ability to receive hardware shipments in a timely manner will determine how quickly it can progress through its pre-flight checklist.
