Rocket Lab officially opened its Launch Complex 3 Thursday, growing Virginia’s aerospace industry.
Located at Pad 0-D at the Virginia Spaceport Authority’s Mid-Atlantic Regional Spaceport (MARS) on Wallops Island, the new launch, landing, and test site will be the first in the world to launch Rocket Lab’s new reusable neutron rocket.
Republican Gov. Glenn Youngkin celebrated the opening, thanking Rocket Lab CEO Sir Peter Beck for investing in Virginia.
“The opening of LC-3 at Launch Pad 0-D is not only an engineering achievement, but a bold step forward for Virginia’s growing role in our nation’s commercial space industry,” Youngkin said. “From right here on Virginia’s beautiful Eastern Shore, Neutron will deliver reliable and responsive launch capabilities, supporting national security while creating opportunities for innovation and economic growth.”
Beck said Launch Complex 3 shows Rocket Lab’s commitment to providing access to space and launch site diversity that is needed in the U.S.
“Our Neutron rocket, with its ability for responsive space access as a high cadence reusable launch vehicle, expands Virginia’s aerospace capabilities to enable the United States to quickly and reliably reach the International Space Station and low Earth orbit, as well as explore beyond Earth and on to the Moon and Mars,” Beck said.
Additionally, the MARS Launch Pad 0-D underscores the state’s increasing role in aerospace technology, national security, and commercial space operations.
Rocket Lab Vice President – Neutron Shaun D’Mello said it is an “incredible engineering feat.”
“That Launch Complex 3 was built and is now operational in less than two years of construction is down to the unwavering dedication from our Virginia-based team of 60+ highly skilled staff supported by our global engineering team, and the continued support, investment, and commitment from our partners in the state of Virginia,” D’Mello said. “I’m excited to bring a new launch capability to Wallops Island with Neutron ahead of its maiden flight from Launch Complex 3.”
Able to support payload capacities of up to 33,000 pounds, Pad 0-D will host Rocket Lab’s neutron launch vehicle and potential missions to Mars or Venus. Pad 0-D also includes a black, 285-foot-tall water tower, which holds approximately 200,000 gallons of water and is able to empty within minutes.
Lt. Gov. Winsome Earle-Sears, National Chair of the Aerospace States Association, said the ribbon cutting is opening a new frontier
“This is where daring meets destiny,” Earle-Sears said. “Rocket Lab’s investment is proof that when talent, vision, and willpower converge, the impossible becomes inevitable. Virginia’s skilled workforce, our competitive spirit, and our steadfast commitment to America’s security have made the Eastern Shore, Accomack County, and the Virginia Spaceport Authority the launch site of choice for commercial access to space.”
Rocket Lab has committed to bringing new jobs to support its neutron program, which will also bring new business opportunities and enhanced global visibility to the state.
“It’s very fitting that we’re opening a brand-new launch pad on the 30th anniversary of the Virginia Spaceport Authority,” said House Delegate Robert Bloxom, Jr. “Since its inception, the Virginia Spaceport Authority has bolstered Virginia’s space industry by creating good-paying jobs and growing our region’s economy. This new launch pad is further proof that the Commonwealth of Virginia is a premier location for commercial space companies to do business.”
