Governor Glenn Youngkin participated in the opening ceremony for Rocket Lab’s Launch Complex 3 at the Virginia Spaceport Authority’s Mid-Atlantic Regional Spaceport on Wallops Island. The facility, located at Pad 0-D, will serve as the first launch site for Rocket Lab’s new reusable Neutron rocket.
During the event, Governor Youngkin said, “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. 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. Thank you to Sir Peter Beck and the Rocket Lab team for choosing to invest and grow right here in the Commonwealth.”
Rocket Lab Founder and CEO Sir Peter Beck commented on the significance of the new complex: “Launch Complex 3 is our commitment to providing assured access to space and the launch site diversity that’s needed in the United States for its most important missions. 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. Together with the Commonwealth of Virginia, VSA, and NASA, we’re strengthening the nation’s leadership in space while creating new opportunities for innovation and growth in the state and beyond, and I’m thankful for their continued support of Rocket Lab in Virginia.”
Shaun D’Mello, Rocket Lab Vice President – Neutron, highlighted the construction process: “Launch Complex 3 is an incredible engineering feat that serves as a monument to exquisite design, streamlined operations, and the competitive advantage of Rocket Lab’s speed and efficiency. 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. I’m excited to bring a new launch capability to Wallops Island with Neutron ahead of its maiden flight from Launch Complex 3.”
The addition of MARS Launch Pad 0-D strengthens Virginia’s position in both government-supported national security initiatives and commercial aerospace development. The state has invested in modernizing its space infrastructure on Wallops Island with facilities such as four launch pads (including Pad 0-D), a command building, integration facilities currently leased by Rocket Lab, payload processing areas, logistics support buildings, maintenance sites for launch teams, a UAS airfield for drone operations, assembly testing centers, as well as recently acquired land set aside for future expansion.
Pad 0-D will accommodate launches using Rocket Lab’s Neutron vehicle capable of carrying payloads up to approximately 33,000 pounds. The pad features infrastructure such as a black water tower standing about 285 feet tall that can rapidly discharge around 200,000 gallons during launches.
Lt. Gov. Winsome Earle-Sears remarked on Virginia’s growing role: “Today we do more than cut a ribbon, we open a new frontier. The official opening of Launch Pad 0-D…is a bold declaration that Virginia is not only participating in the aerospace revolution but leading it…Virginia’s skilled workforce…have made…the Virginia Spaceport Authority [VSA] the launch site of choice for commercial access to space.”
Secretary of Transportation W. Sheppard Miller III emphasized infrastructure benefits: “Once again we see global companies choosing Virginia because of our infrastructure…Our willingness to invest in…top-notch infrastructure assets provides companies like Rocket Lab exactly what they need to grow and thrive.”
Secretary of Commerce and Trade Juan Pablo Segura added: “Thanks to hard work and innovation companies such as Rocket Lab are making launches more affordable…These breakthroughs are unlocking new opportunities…and it’s happening right here in Virginia.”
Roosevelt Mercer Jr., CEO & Executive Director of VSA said: “Virginia’s spaceport is one of…the Commonwealth’s most strategic assets…By expanding our capabilities…we are securing Virginia’s place at the forefront of the space industry.”
Rocket Lab has committed to bringing jobs related to its Neutron program onto Virginia’s Eastern Shore which could result in further business activity throughout Accomack County.
Congresswoman Jen Kiggans stated: “American ingenuity and innovation in aerospace industry is essential…The capabilities at Launch Complex 3 are extraordinary…This investment not only reinforces America’s position as leading world commercial rocket launch but also highlights incredible role Commonwealth plays shaping future aerospace.”
Senator Bill DeSteph noted his appreciation: “As Co-chair Aviation Aerospace Caucus I’m beyond thrilled cut ribbon on Launch Pad 0-D…I want thank Governor Youngkin…Virginia Spaceport Authority…applaud Rocket Lab…invest innovate right here…with new reusable Neutron launch vehicle…”
Delegate Robert S. Bloxom Jr. pointed out VSA’s milestone anniversary: “It’s very fitting that we’re opening brand-new launch pad on…the 30th anniversary…Since inception…the authority has bolstered…space industry by creating good-paying jobs…and growing region’s economy…”
The Virginia Spaceport Authority owns and operates MARS at Wallops Island with a mission focused on maintaining premier spaceport facilities while promoting economic development through aerospace activities across science education sectors.
For more information about VSA visit https://vaspace.org/.
