Rocket Lab, a company specializing in launch services and space systems, has acquired an Oceanus barge from Canal Barge, a private marine transportation company based in New Orleans. The barge, renamed Return on Investment, will be modified to serve as a specialized ocean landing platform for rockets returning to Earth. The modifications will include propulsion systems to maintain the platform’s position at sea, as well as thermal protection systems to safeguard electrical and support equipment on the deck. This modified 400 ft barge is expected to enter service in 2026 and will support greater access to space for national security missions, civil space exploration, and commercial satellite deployments.
The modifications to the barge will also include autonomous ground support equipment to capture and secure the landed Neutron rockets, as well as blast shielding to protect equipment during landings. Rocket Lab’s Founder and CEO, Peter Beck, emphasized the importance of bringing the Neutron rocket online quickly to address the limited medium-lift launch opportunities and the bottleneck in space access. The debut launch of the Neutron rocket is planned for later this year, with the new landing platform further expanding mission opportunities that require maximum Neutron performance. Rocket Lab aims to launch the Neutron rocket from Virginia in the second half of 2025.
Rocket Lab’s acquisition of the Oceanus barge and its transformation into a specialized ocean landing platform for rockets marks a significant step towards expanding space access and enabling a wider range of mission opportunities. The modifications to the barge, including propulsion and thermal protection systems, will enhance the capabilities of the Neutron rocket and support a variety of missions, from national security to commercial satellite deployments. The development of the landing platform demonstrates Rocket Lab’s commitment to advancing space technology and addressing the challenges of limited space access.
More Stories
Families of kidnapped Seafarers Call for Urgent Assistance
Philippines Coast Guard Rescues Six After Tugboat Capsizes in Bulker Collision
Revised OCIMF Guidelines for Safe Single Point Mooring Operations Released