The Journal of Space Commerce

The Journal of Space Commerce

‘Hungry Hippo’ Fairing Successfully Qualified

Rocket Lab Clears Significant Milestone on Path to First Neutron Launch

Tom Patton's avatar
Tom Patton
Dec 12, 2025
∙ Paid

Qualification testing has been completed by Rocket Lab on its “Hungry Hippo” fairing, the first designed for a reusable launch vehicle.

“Building, qualifying, and shipping Hungry Hippo is a fantastic marker of progress toward Neutron’s first launch.”
Shaun D’Mello, Rocket Lab

The fairing halves integrated into the Neutron rocket remain attached to the roc…

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