Governor Glenn Youngkin participated in a ribbon-cutting ceremony to mark the opening of Rocket Lab’s Launch Complex 3 at Pad 0-D, part of the Virginia Spaceport Authority’s Mid-Atlantic Regional Spaceport (MARS) on Wallops Island. The site will serve as the world’s first launch location for Rocket Lab’s new reusable Neutron rocket.
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 stated, “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, commented on construction progress: “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 facility enhances Virginia’s capacity in national security efforts as well as commercial space operations. Investments made by Virginia into Pad 0-D aim at modernizing U.S. space launch infrastructure while fostering job creation on Virginia’s Eastern Shore.
Pad 0-D will accommodate launches by Rocket Lab’s Neutron vehicle with payloads up to 33,000 lbs., including potential missions beyond Earth’s orbit. The pad features a distinctive black water tower standing at 285 feet tall with rapid emptying capability.
Lt. Gov. Winsome Earle-Sears highlighted this milestone: “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 launch site of choice for commercial access to space…And it is here in Virginia where we remind the world that America does not shrink from great challenges; we rise to them.”
Secretary of Transportation W. Sheppard Miller III added: “Once again, we see global companies choosing Virginia because of our infrastructure…Our willingness to invest in and provide 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 remarked: “Thanks to hard work and innovation, companies such as Rocket Lab are making launches more affordable and driving down the cost of space travel…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…”
MARS includes four launch pads along with facilities such as command buildings, integration centers leased by Rocket Lab, logistics sites, maintenance facilities, an airfield for unmanned aircraft systems (UAS), payload processing spaces—and has acquired additional land for future expansion.
Rocket Lab has pledged job creation tied directly to its Neutron program which aims also at increasing business activity on both local regional levels.
Congresswoman Jen Kiggans commented: “American ingenuity…in aerospace industry is essential…The capabilities at Launch Complex 3 are extraordinary…and they mark an important milestone…This investment not only reinforces America’s position…but also highlights…the Commonwealth plays…in shaping…the future…”
Senator Bill DeSteph said: “As Co-chair…I’m beyond thrilled…Thank Governor Youngkin…and VSA…for creating an environment…the commercial space industry can thrive…I want to applaud Rocket Lab…”
Delegate Robert S. Bloxom Jr., noted alignment with broader milestones: “It’s very fitting that we’re opening a brand-new launch pad on…the anniversary…VSA has bolstered Virginia’s space industry by creating good-paying jobs…”
The Virginia Spaceport Authority operates MARS at Wallops Island under its mission focused on maintaining premier access-to-space services while promoting economic development related to aerospace within Virginia.
