Rocket Lab pushes 1st launch of next-gen Neutron rocket to 2027

Rocket Lab has postponed the maiden launch of its next-generation Neutron rocket from late 2026 to 2027 due to a manufacturing issue. The company, led by founder and CEO Peter Beck, announced the delay in a YouTube video posted on Tuesday (Oct. 13). The problem lies in the carbon-fiber propellant domes of Neutron's first stage, which hold liquid oxygen and liquid methane.

Inspectors found voids in the recently manufactured forward dome after curing, though these voids do not necessarily indicate failure in flight. However, Rocket Lab's practice is to proceed only when they believe the system has appropriate margins. The company added mitigations to the dome-manufacturing process, and a recently tested aft dome showed highest quality carbon composite.

Rocket Lab still needs to build and test a new forward dome, which is expected to be completed by the end of the year. Following that, the company anticipates to incorporate the hardware into a complete Neutron first stage and subject it to a battery of tests during the first quarter of 2027. The latest setback is the third delay for Neutron, which was initially targeted for a 2024 debut.

Despite the setbacks, Rocket Lab remains committed to developing a reliable rocket, emphasizing that a dependable vehicle is more valuable than an early one.