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Rocket Lab selects Bollinger Shipyards to support modification of Neutron landing platform

July 13, 2025

Rocket Lab Corporation (Nasdaq: RKLB) has awarded a contract to Bollinger Shipyards to support the build out of Rocket Lab’s ocean landing platform for the company’s Neutron, reusable rocket.

Modification and fit-out of Rocket Lab technology to its 400-ft-long landing platform named ‘Return On Investment’ has begun and is taking place at Bollinger Shipyards, primarily at its shipyard in Amelia, Louisiana, with delivery of the vessel to Rocket Lab expected in early 2026.

Bollinger Shipyards, a premier builder of high-performance vessels, will leverage its extensive experience in marine engineering to complete the Rocket Lab-led design of the rocket-landing platform that includes autonomous ground support equipment, blast shielding for on-deck equipment protection during Neutron landings, and station-keeping thrusters for the platform to hold its position during Neutron return-to-Earth missions at sea.

Reusability is key to Rocket Lab’s development of Neutron. To meet the increasing demand for regular and reliable launch to space for large single satellites, multi-satellite constellation deployment, and high assurance national security missions, Rocket Lab expects to quickly scale Neutron and double its launch capacity annually once it enters service—with “Return On Investment” integral to that effort.

Rocket Lab’s development of recovery infrastructure in Louisiana builds upon the Company’s existing U.S. expansion plans for Neutron’s operations and development, with “Return On Investment” to be operated out of the U.S. East Coast to support timely delivery and return of Neutron rockets to its launch site on Wallops Island, Virginia.

Rocket Lab Vice President – Neutron, Shaun D’Mello, said, “Neutron’s ability to return to Earth on “Return On Investment” and launch again and again will be foundational to its success. With Bollinger’s extensive experience in marine engineering and shipbuilding, they have been selected to deliver this critical project. We’re looking forward to working with Bollinger to create the conditions to modernize Louisiana’s shipyard capabilities to meet the demands of the aerospace industry’s cutting-edge capabilities.”

Bollinger Shipyards President and CEO, Ben Bordelon, said, “Bollinger is proud to partner with Rocket Lab on a project that showcases both the ingenuity and innovation of American shipbuilding and the future of space flight. At Bollinger, we’ve spent decades building some of the most advanced vessels in the world. We’re honored to have been selected to bring our deep expertise and experience in marine engineering and fabrication to a program that pushes the boundaries of what’s possible.”

About ‘Return On Investment’
Return On Investment’ is Rocket Lab’s sea-based landing platform for Neutron, the Company’s new reusable 141 ft (43 m) medium-lift rocket. Under construction at Bollinger Shipyards in Amelia, Louisiana, the landing platform is built upon a modified barge the ‘Oceanus’, is Jones Act compliant, and will operated out of the U.S. East Coast. ‘Return On Investment’ will be equipped with propulsion systems to maintain the platform’s target position, thermal protection systems to conserve electrical and other support equipment installed on the deck, and Rocket Lab-developed technology for securing and processing Neutron. ‘Return On Investment is expected to enter service in 2026.

About Neutron
Rocket Lab’s new reusable rocket Neutron is a next-generation challenger to the medium-lift launch industry. Neutron’s advanced architecture includes carbon composite for all of the rocket’s major structures, and an integrated system that brings Neutron’s Stage 1 and payload fairings back to Earth as a single stage – fully optimized for reuse and launch frequency to deliver cost-effective, reliable, and responsive launch for commercial and government missions. Capable of delivering a 13-ton payload to space before returning to Earth, Neutron is powered by Rocket Lab’s newly-developed Archimedes engine, an oxidizer-rich staged combustion cycle engine capable of a combined 1,450,000 pounds of thrust across nine engines on Neutron’s reusable Stage 1. Neutron will fly from Rocket Lab Launch Complex 3 (LC-3) located at Wallops Island, Virginia from the Mid-Atlantic Regional Spaceport (MARS).

Filed Under: Bollinger Shipyards, Neutron Launch Vehicle (Rocket Lab), News, Reusable Rocket, Rocket Lab Tagged With: LEO, smallsat, Smallsats

Peter Krauss leading Terran Orbital to drive the firm’s new era of innovation and growth

January 2, 2025

As Terran Orbital looks ahead to 2025, the company’s new Chief Executive Officer — Peter Krauss— is focused on leveraging the company’s proven track record to drive innovation, enhancing its portfolio and fostering a culture of transparency and collaboration.

Mr. Krauss, formerly Terran Orbital’s Chief Operations Officer, successfully led the company’s business operations, significantly strengthened its operational framework, and set the company on a path of improved processes and operational efficiencies.

Since assuming the role of CEO in October, Krauss is no stranger to managing complex organizations. He has overseen merger and acquisition activities, global manufacturing, and distribution networks across European, American, and other markets.

His focus now lies on creating a new era for Terran Orbital, and doing so by leaning into the following key priorities:

  • Advancing Innovation: Positioning Terran Orbital at the forefront of space technology will continue building on the company’s expertise in satellite manufacturing and aerospace solutions.
  • Expanding Capacity: Scaling its manufacturing operations to meet growing market demand for small satellites, with a commitment to operational excellence.
  • Fostering Growth and Collaboration: Cultivating a team-driven culture where transparency and collaboration are central to success.

Beyond his professional accomplishments, Krauss has a passion for racing and performance cars. He spends his weekends on the race track, trying to beat his best time – something that spills over into his professional world and inspires him to continue delivering competitive solutions in the tech industry.

With Krauss at the helm, Terran Orbital is well-positioned to enhance its impact in the aerospace and defense sectors, championing new technology and expanding its market presence.

“I am deeply honored to step into the CEO role at Terran Orbital,” Krauss said. “Our talented team is the cornerstone of our success. Together, we will continue to drive innovation, strengthen our strategic initiatives, and build a collaborative culture focused on the missions of our customers and achieving new milestones for the company.”

Filed Under: Appointments, Business Moves, Chief Executive Officer (CEO), LEO, Lockheed Martin, SmallSat, SmallSat Builds, SmallSat Design, Smallsat Development, Smallsat Fleet, Smallsat Form Factors, Smallsat Markets, smallsats, Terran Orbital Tagged With: smallsat

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