Rocket Lab, a launch services and space systems company heavily relying on 3D printing technology, has revealed details about ‘Return On Investment’, the ocean landing platform for Neutron missions returning to Earth.
‘Return On Investment’ is a 400ft (122m) modified barge that will be customized to enable landings at sea for its reusable Neutron rocket. Modifications will include autonomous ground support equipment to capture and secure the landed Neutron, blast shielding to protect equipment during Neutron landings, and station-keeping thrusters for precise positioning. The company has acquired the barge, and construction of ‘Return On Investment’ will take place throughout 2025. It is expected to enter service in 2026.
Rocket Lab’s Neutron rocket is a reusable carbon composite medium-lift launch vehicle being developed to meet the demand for single and multi-satellite constellation deployment, high assurance national security missions, and cargo to various Earth orbits, as well as lunar and interplanetary exploration. Capable of deploying payloads up to 33,000 pounds (15,000kg), Neutron is being brought to the market rapidly – on the foundation of Rocket Lab’s leadership as one of the world’s most frequent and reliable launch providers.
Neutron can perform two reusable mission profiles depending on mission requirements. This includes Return To Launch Site (RTLS) missions for Neutron first stage propulsive landings at Rocket Lab Launch Complex 3 in Virginia. The second reusable mission profile, a Down Range Landing (DRL) maneuver, is intended to maximize Neutron’s performance and will result in Neutron’s precise propulsive landing at sea on the landing platform.
“We’re working hard to bring Neutron online with one of the fastest development schedules in history for a new rocket, because we know medium-lift launch opportunities are limited and space access is being stifled. Neutron’s debut launch planned for later this year will help to ease that bottleneck, and our new landing platform will open space access even further by enabling even more mission opportunities that require maximum Neutron performance,” said Sir Peter Beck, Founder and CEO of Rocket Lab.
Rocket Lab currently expects Neutron to make its debut launch from Virginia in the second half of 2025.
