Rocket Lab is further delaying the first launch of its Neutron rocket as it works through fixes after an issue with the first stage tank uncovered earlier this year.
Rocket Lab has run into issues with an automated fiber placement (AFP) machine that manufacturers carbon composite sections of the rocket, CEO Peter Beck disclosed in an investor update on Wednesday afternoon.
The issue goes back to a tank that ruptured during testing in January. Rocket Lab shared earlier this year that the rupture led Rocket Lab to uncover a manufacturing defect in the tank, which was handlaid by a contractor. At the time, Rocket Lab pushed Neutron’s debut from early 2026 to late 2026, on top of previous delays.
After the tank issue, Rocket Lab moved production to an AFP machine, which had been in the works. Beck explained that Rocket Lab has been successfully using the AFP machine, but recently uncovered an issue in the manufacturing process for the propellant dome, finding air pockets between the layers of carbon fiber.
He said that Rocket Lab has since mitigated this issue with manufacturing fixes to make a new forward dome, but the time spent dealing with the issue pushes the launch to next year.
Rocket Lab is not setting a new timeframe for the first launch yet. Beck explained that building a new forward dome on the AFP machine is already in the works. The next steps are to perform testing to confirm there are no voids, then assemble the forward and aft dome to form the full first stage, and run the hydrostatic and cryo test campaigns.
He expects these steps to be completed before the first quarter and during the first quarter, at which point Rocket Lab will give a new target launch date.
“We’re balancing speed to first launch with bringing a reliable high cadence rocket to market for the long term, which means making deliberate choices about time lines to support reliability going long into the future,” Beck said.
The company’s stock fell more than 10% after the disclosure.
These delays come as the industry is in need of more launch options as SpaceX is reportedly preparing to wind down the Falcon 9 launch program as it shifts focus to Starship. Launch competitors are working to establish a higher cadence, while providers including Firefly Aerospace and Blue Origin have warned customers that the launch market is on the verge of a reset.
Beck alluded to unannounced, new launch contracts for Neutron and said customers are choosing Neutron for multiple launches in long-term partnerships.
“We believe Neutron is going to be a game changer and taking the time now to solve these challenges means we’re in a better position to deliver a rocket that’s ready to meet the needs for the industry for years to come,” Beck said.
