Rocket Lab has completed the final qualification testing of its new fairing system for the upcoming Neutron rocket, marking a key milestone ahead of the vehicle’s first launch planned for 2026. The fairing, known as “Hungry Hippo”, has now cleared all required checks, bringing the company closer to entering the competitive space launch market with a fully reusable design.
The “Hungry Hippo” fairing introduces a different approach to payload protection and recovery. Unlike traditional fairings that detach and fall away during flight, this system stays attached to the Neutron booster. It opens briefly to release the second stage and payload, then closes again before the booster returns to Earth. This captured fairing concept is intended to support rapid reuse by removing the need for ocean recovery and extensive refurbishment.
According to the company, the fairing successfully passed a full range of qualification tests. These included structural load testing, pressure testing and multiple open and close cycles carried out under conditions similar to those expected during flight. After completing these trials, the finished fairing was transported to Launch Complex 3 in Virginia, where it will be integrated with the first stage of the Neutron rocket.
The progress of the Neutron program highlights Rocket Lab’s push to move into larger and more competitive launch services. By focusing on reusability and cost efficiency, the company aims to raise the technological level of its launch systems while lowering prices for customers. The successful testing of the “Hungry Hippo” fairing is seen as an important step toward achieving these goals and supporting the future of reusable spaceflight.
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