Episode 226 - Missiles are Rockets (with Pat O)

January 29, 2026

Jake and Anthony are joined by noted industry watcher Pat O to talk about Rocket Lab’s development of Neutron in the Mid-Atlantic.

Topics

Off-Nominal - YouTube
Episode 226 - Missiles are Rockets (with Pat O) - YouTube
Rocket Lab's Electron's First Launch from Wallops Island - YouTube
pat o. 🚀 on X: “Here's a treat to whet your appetite for Mid-Atlantic Rocket Lab happenings, while we wait for the launch of the HASTE VAN mission. Activity at Rocket Lab's Middle River, MD facility seems to be ramping up. The facility was recently acquired through Lockheed Martin.”
pat o. 🚀 on X: “Update on Rocket Lab's Facility in Middle River, MD. The wrapped structure from my last update is still on-site, but it now has a covering over it.”
pat o. 🚀 on X: “Rocket Lab Middle River Update January 10 The Neutron tank structure sees it's first rainfall today since being moved outside last week, but it now has a cap. I think the red and grey hardware may be for the transport trailer. Stay dry, tank buddy.”
pat o. 🚀 on X: “Rocket Lab Middle River Update January 21 The tank structure seen being worked on over the last few weeks appears to have collapsed sometime in the last 18 hours. No word on whether this was planned as part of testing or not.”
pat o. 🚀 on X: “Rocket Lab's first Neutron fairing "Hungry Hippo" has been loaded onto a barge to presumably begin the next leg of its journey. Currently alongside the barge is the tug Northstar Integrity. The next destination is currently unclear.”
Rocket Lab Neutron Test Update | Rocket Lab
Rocket Lab’s Hungry Hippo Fairing Arrives at Virginia Launch Site Ahead of First Neutron Flight | Rocket Lab