$RKLB Pre-Flight Testing with Hungry Hippo is Underway

Rocket Lab $RKLB is advancing its Neutron rocket with pre-flight testing of the “Hungry Hippo” reusable fairing now underway. Rocket Lab demonstrated permanently attached halves opening and closing under flight-like conditions to prepare for Stage 2 deployment and booster recovery. Delivery of the full vehicle to the Wallops Island pad is expected in Q4 2026. **Rocket Lab said on their Twitter/X:** “We're opening and closing the Hippo's two permanently attached fairing halves under flight-like conditions to simulate how they'll perform for Stage 2 deployment and Neutron's return to Earth. After testing, Hippo will return to its hangar and wait to be attached with Neutron's interstage when it arrives in Virginia.”