Rocket Lab delays Neutron rocket's first launch until 2027

(SpaceEnergy) Rocket Lab has postponed the inaugural flight of its reusable Neutron rocket until 2027, replacing its previous fourth-quarter 2026 launch target as development and manufacturing work continues.

The US launch and spacecraft manufacturer announced the revised schedule on 14 October, confirming that Neutron's first flight is now expected next year.

Rocket Lab said its engineering teams were continuing development and incorporating process improvements while progressing through manufacturing and testing milestones.

The company had previously revised Neutron's launch schedule in February 2026 following a first-stage propellant tank failure during qualification testing.

At that time, Rocket Lab established a fourth-quarter 2026 target for the vehicle's inaugural flight.

Neutron is being developed as a reusable medium-lift launch vehicle capable of supporting satellite constellation deployment, national security missions and space exploration.

Its development programme includes the qualification of propulsion-related structures and systems needed to support repeated launches.

Rocket Lab previously reported completing qualification of Neutron's thrust structure and entering qualification testing of its interstage.

The latest announcement does not establish that additional propulsion qualification tests have been completed.

Rocket Lab has not specified a revised launch month or quarter within 2027.

The schedule change represents a material development in the programme rather than a completed flight or propulsion demonstration.