US aerospace company Rocket Lab has requested regulatory approval to use a temporary maritime method for transporting large components of its Neutron rocket to its launch site on Wallops Island, Virginia.

The request, submitted this month, addresses logistical challenges while awaiting federal clearance for a permanent dredging project.

The aerospace firm plans to launch its Neutron medium-lift rocket from the Mid-Atlantic Regional Spaceport (MARS) on Wallops Island.

MARS, which has less traffic than other spaceports, is surrounded by shallow waterways that limit maritime access.

Currently, Rocket Lab’s smaller Electron rocket is transported by road. However, the larger Neutron components require alternative transport solutions.

The company has also considered other transport methods, such as beach landings and road transport. However, it found these options impractical due to infrastructure, cost, and weather limitations.

Rocket Lab has received approval for up to three beach barge landing tests, which are restricted to specific times of the year.

The Neutron rocket’s maiden test flight is scheduled for the second half of 2025.

However, the company’s filings suggest that maritime access challenges could be a larger bottleneck than hardware readiness.

Rocket Lab has not commented further on this issue.