Smart Node v1.17.0 is now live, bringing major client updates—most of which raise the default block gas limit to 45M—and a new pruning feature that allows node operators to reduce storage needs by enabling partial history expiry. This is a recommended update for all Node Operators. Full details and upgrade instructions: https://github.com/rocket-pool/smartnode/releases/tag/v1.17.0.

Rocket Pool Smart Node v1.16.0 is out now, featuring key client updates, new features, and a critical change to rewards submissions. oDAO members must upgrade before the next submission to prevent consensus issues, and it's a recommended update for all Node Operators. Full release notes and upgrade instructions here: https://github.com/rocket-pool/smartnode/releases/tag/v1.16.0. Node operators that upgrade within 48 hours received a POAP.

Rocket Pool has had separate quora for on-chain and snapshot voting. This isn't really the intent; it's based on getting similar absolute requirements given that one is a percent of all vote power and the other is a percent of initialized vote power. haloooloolo has volunteered to initialize more vote power so that the difference is small and Rocket Pool can use a single quorum going forward without more tweaks. Buyers of this POAP helped fund this community initiative to initialize on-chain vote power!

Ken hosted a special guest from ethOS, makers of the dGEN1, to chat about a potential Rocket Pool integration. Join the Rocket Pool community calls on Discord at discord.gg/rocketpool

The Rocket Pool community is celebrating the launch of Saturn 0, an important step toward Saturn 1, enabling new minipools to operate without requiring staked RPL. These minipools offer a 5% commission, with a bonus up to 9% if participating in the Smoothing Pool, depending on RPL stake levels. This bonus will phase out four reward periods after Saturn 1, encouraging users to transition while still earning RPL rewards with any amount of RPL stake. Under Saturn 0, any amount of RPL stake qualifies for rewards. This POAP was awarded to community members who attended the event in the Rocket Pool Discord.

The Rocket Pool Smartnode v1.14.0 release includes mandatory client updates for Nethermind, Prysm, Besu, and Reth, alongside Smart Node changes such as removing the 16 ETH minipool option, enhancing deposit prompts, and optimizing RPC calls for oDAO nodes. Minor adjustments were also made to accommodate Saturn-0 and update messages. Shortly after, version 1.14.1 was released to address a breaking change in Prysm and update Lodestar, which is only necessary for Prysm users. Node operators that updated within 72 hours received a POAP.

The contributors to the Rocket Pool #support channel work in the shadows, helping to keep the validators from Rocket Pool node operators functional while protecting us all from scammers. In October, 2024 the community shared stories of why they are thankful for #support.

Rocket Pool has released v1.13.10 of the Smart Node, a recommended update featuring important bug fixes, client updates, and minor enhancements. This version includes updates to Geth, Besu, Reth, Teku, Nimbus, and Nethermind, along with new MEV-Boost support for the Holesky testnet and optimizations for oDAO RPC calls. Additional improvements include Reth peer parameter controls, cleanup for V10, and fixes to various issues. Rocket Pool node operators that were the first to upgrade received a POAP. This month's POAP was designed by talented Icelandic community member IcelandCalling.eth.