On September 23, 2024, the Constellation testnet officially went live! Constellation is a protocol built on Rocket Pool that enhances capital efficiency, boosts scalability, and mitigates asset concentration risk. Node operators who participated in setting up Constellation on Holesky, helping test one of the most impactful products built on Rocket Pool, were awarded a POAP as recognition for their contribution.

On July 11, 2024, Rocket Pool released version 1.13.7 of the Smart Node. This recommended update includes client updates, bug fixes, and changes such as updating the Nethermind auto pruning threshold to 350 GB, fixing oDAO balances/prices submissions, deprecating node voting commands, and improving delegate and signaling-address wording. Node operators that updated quickly received a POAP.

The Rocket Pool Houston release delivered Protocol DAO on-chain voting. Shortly, the Protocol DAO will be able to vote on Snapshot for meta governance and vote on-chain to make protocol changes. Before Rocket Pool can enable Protocol DAO voting, node operators need to initialize their voting power in the new system and update their signaling address that is used to vote on Snapshot. Node operators that initialized their voting power by July 15 received a POAP.

Stakers Union Members who have completed the verification process.

Holders of this POAP celebrated Rocket Pool's Houston upgrade on the EthStaker livestream.

As June unfolded, Rocket Pool node operators embarked on a determined mission to bolster the security and resilience of the Ethereum network. Fueled by a shared vision, they steered away from Geth, braving the challenges to embrace alternative solutions that would fortify the network's health and safeguard its future. Their unwavering efforts became a testament to the unwavering commitment of the Ethereum community in creating a robust and thriving decentralized ecosystem. POAP designed by Sleety.

On March 11, 2024, Rocket Pool launched Smartnode version 1.11.9, a crucial update for all users. It's especially necessary if you haven't upgraded to v1.11.8 or if you're using MEV-Boost v1.6. This release incorporates significant updates from clients. It's recommended for everyone to update, as it ensures compatibility with Dencun and includes various enhancements and bug fixes across all clients. Node operators that upgraded within 24 hours were awarded a POAP.

🎉 Big news, Rocket Pool community! 🥳 The SEC just approved the first Ethereum ETF, and our #trading room on Discord is buzzing with excitement! Imagine Eth, our beloved decentralized hero, getting a shiny new badge of approval from the big leagues. It's like seeing our favorite digital star finally getting its moment in the spotlight! Picture the scene: the Rocket Pool crew, all gathered in the #trading room, decked out in virtual party hats, celebrating with confetti made of smart contracts, and raising glasses of pixelated champagne. 🥂 This ETF approval is more than just a win; it's a milestone worthy of a moonwalk! 🌕✨ Now, investors—whether they're new to the crypto world or seasoned pros—can jump into Ethereum as easily as buying a stock. It's like Eth has rolled out the red carpet, making it simpler than ever to be part of the revolution. And let's not forget the memes—oh, the glorious memes! Get ready for an onslaught of "ETH to the moon" jokes and celebratory GIFs flooding the chat. So, grab your virtual popcorn and join the fun in the #trading room. Eth's future is shining brighter and looking more mainstream than ever. 🚀💫 Here's to new beginnings and even bigger crypto dreams! 🥳🎉