Rocket Lab delays first Neutron launch to 2027, shares fall more than 10%

Rocket Lab said on October 14 that the first launch of its medium-lift Neutron rocket is slipping to 2027, Via Satellite reports. It blamed voids between carbon-fibre layers found in a propellant tank dome. The company's shares fell more than ten percent after the announcement.

Neutron is a partly reusable rocket that Rocket Lab is developing to compete with SpaceX's Falcon 9 for large constellation and military launches. "We believe Neutron is going to be a game changer," said CEO Peter Beck.

A season of delays

The slip fits a wider trend this autumn: Blue Origin has also pushed New Glenn's return to January 2027, and Arianespace has delayed the next Ariane 6 flight to November 23.