Rocket Lab selected by NASA to provide Neutron Launch services under VADR launch contract

NASA has added Rocket Lab’s upcoming Neutron rocket to its Venture-Class Acquisition of Dedicated and Rideshare (VADR) contract, expanding launch options from Virginia’s Eastern Shore. The new medium-lift reusable rocket will launch from Wallops Island, where construction of its dedicated launch complex is nearing completion.

The Neutron rocket, designed to lift 13,000 kg to low Earth orbit, will join Rocket Lab’s smaller Electron vehicle in serving NASA missions from the Virginia space coast. The new launch vehicle is scheduled for its inaugural flight from Rocket Lab Launch Complex 3 at Wallops Island in mid-2025.

“Neutron brings choice and value to the launch industry and is the ideal rocket to support NASA’s goals with VADR to provide new opportunities for science and technology payloads through commercial best practice,” said Rocket Lab founder and CEO Sir Peter Beck.

The addition of Neutron to the VADR contract builds on Rocket Lab’s established relationship with NASA. The company has previously demonstrated rapid launch capabilities from Virginia, including back-to-back launches within two weeks for NASA’s PREFIRE missions.

Construction of Neutron’s launch site at Wallops Island is expected to be completed in the coming months, marking a significant expansion of Virginia’s space launch capabilities. The facility will serve both government and commercial missions, positioning Virginia’s Eastern Shore as a key hub for medium-lift launch services.

The agreement expands Virginia’s role in the commercial space industry, with Wallops Island set to host launches of both Rocket Lab’s vehicles. This development further strengthens the Commonwealth’s position as a growing center for commercial space operations on the East Coast.