Rocket Lab(@RocketLab):Pre-flight testing with Hungry Hippo is underway 🦛 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.

Rocket Lab

@RocketLab

Official account for Rocket Lab, the end-to-end space company. We build rockets and spacecraft that open access to space to improve life on Earth.

Joined November 2009

165 Following 652.3K Followers

Rocket Lab@RocketLab

2026.08.23 20:23

Pre-flight testing with Hungry Hippo is underway 🦛 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.