Rocket Lab Acquires Barge for Rocket Ocean Landings

Rocket Lab, a leading company in launch services and space systems, has recently made a significant acquisition by obtaining a barge that will be transformed into a specialized ocean landing platform for rockets returning to Earth.

The Oceanus barge, now known as Return on Investment, was purchased from Canal Barge, a private marine transportation company based in New Orleans. Rocket Lab plans to modify the 400 ft (122 m) barge to serve as an at-sea landing platform equipped with propulsion systems to maintain its target position and thermal protection systems to safeguard the electrical and support equipment on its deck.

Expected to be operational by 2026, the modified barge will support the landing of Neutron rockets, enhancing space access for various missions including national security, civil space exploration, and commercial satellite deployments. The modifications will also include autonomous ground support equipment for capturing and securing the landed Neutron, as well as blast shielding to protect equipment during landings.

CEO of Rocket Lab, Peter Beck, expressed the company’s commitment to accelerating the development of Neutron rockets for improved space access. “We’re working hard to bring Neutron online with one of the fastest development schedules in history for a new rocket,” Beck stated. The debut launch of Neutron is scheduled for later this year, with plans for a Virginia launch in the second half of 2025.