Rocket Lab delays Neutron rocket launch to 2027

Rocket Lab announced on October 15, 2026, that its Neutron launch vehicle will not be ready for flight until 2027 due to an issue identified during the manufacturing of the rocket's carbon composite structures. This announcement confirmed prior expectations within Rocket Lab and the broader space industry regarding the timeline. The company's last official update in August indicated that there was still hope to deliver the first Neutron rocket to its launch pad at Wallops Island, Virginia, by the end of this year, although this schedule would have likely resulted in the first flight occurring in 2027. The statement from Rocket Lab indicates ongoing challenges with the manufacturing of the Neutron's large booster stage, which is constructed from carbon composite materials known for their low weight, high strength, and corrosion resistance. However, carbon composites are typically more difficult to manufacture than metallic structures in aerospace applications.