Rocket Lab delays Neutron launch to 2027 due to manufacturing issues

Rocket Lab announced on October 15, 2026, that its Neutron launch vehicle will not fly until 2027, due to an issue discovered during the manufacturing of the rocket's carbon composite structures. This announcement confirms earlier expectations within Rocket Lab and the broader space industry regarding delays. 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 2026, although this timeline would have likely pushed the first flight into 2027. The statement from Rocket Lab indicates ongoing challenges with manufacturing the rocket's large booster stage. Neutron's reusable first stage is constructed from carbon composite materials, which are known for their low weight, high strength, and corrosion resistance, but are generally more difficult to manufacture than metallic structures in aerospace applications.