https://spacewatch.global/tag/shaun-dmello/ AN INDEPENDENT PERSPECTIVE ON SPACE Wed, 10 Dec 2025 10:55:48 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=7.0 https://spacewatch.global/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/SpaceWatchGlobal-Sign-90x90.png https://spacewatch.global/tag/shaun-dmello/ 32 32 https://spacewatch.global/2025/12/rocket-labs-neutron-vehicle-approaches-maiden-launch-with-hungry-hippo-fairings-qualification/ Wed, 10 Dec 2025 07:00:00 +0000 https://spacewatch.global/?p=69665 The Neutron launch vehicle’s “Hungry Hippo” captive fairing has successfully completed qualification testing and is enroute to Virginia for the vehicle's first launch. Dubbed the Hungry Hippo, Neutron’s fairing halves remain attached to the rocket’s first stage throughout launch and landing back to Earth. With the design, structure, and operations of Neutron’s fairing now qualified for flight, Hungry Hippo is enroute to Rocket Lab’s Launch Complex 3 at the Mid-Atlantic Regional Spaceport in Virginia ahead of Neutron’s first launch. ]]> https://spacewatch.global/2025/07/rocket-lab-selects-bollinger-shipyards-for-modification-of-neutron-ocean-landing-platform/ Mon, 14 Jul 2025 06:00:00 +0000 https://spacewatch.global/?p=66246 Rocket Lab has awarded a contract to Bollinger Shipyards to support the build out of Rocket Lab’s Ocean landing platform for its Neutron reusable rocket. Consequently, modification and fit-out of Rocket Lab technology to the 400-ft-long landing platform named ‘Return On Investment’ has begun and is taking place at Bollinger Shipyards, with delivery of the vessel to Rocket Lab expected in early 2026. ]]>