Rocket Lab USA has revealed details about Return On Investment, an ocean landing platform for reusable rocket missions returning to Earth.
Return On Investment will be a 400-foot (122-metre) modified barge, the Oceanus supplied by Canal Barge, that will be customized to enable landings at sea for its reusable Neutron rocket.
Modifications will include autonomous ground support equipment to capture and secure the landed Neutron, blast shielding to protect equipment during Neutron landings, and station-keeping thrusters for precise positioning.
The company said it had acquired the barge and the refit will take place throughout 2025, with expectations of being ready to enter service in 2026.
Rocket Lab’s Neutron rocket is a reusable carbon composite medium-lift launch vehicle being developed to meet the demand for single and multi-satellite constellation deployment, national security missions, and cargo to various Earth orbits, as well as lunar and interplanetary exploration.