# Rocket Lab Delays Neutron’s First Launch to 2027 After Tank Setback

By John Kim

Canonical URL: https://www.tokenpost.com/news/business/32374
Published: 2026-10-15T08:02:36.000Z
Updated: 2026-10-15T08:02:36.000Z
Section: Business

> Manufacturing problems with carbon-fiber composite parts in the first-stage propellant tank are behind the shift.

Rocket Lab has shifted Neutron’s first launch target from the fourth quarter of 2026 to 2027 after manufacturing trouble hit its first-stage tank, pushing back its planned entry into medium-lift launches.

The setback centers on carbon-fiber composite components used in the first-stage propellant tank. Rocket Lab still needs to refine the tank’s design and adjust how those components are made.

Neutron’s first-stage tank ruptured during a pressure test in January. That failure lengthened later manufacturing and validation work. The revised timing follows an earlier goal of flying by the end of 2026.

Neutron is a reusable medium-class rocket that Rocket Lab is developing to compete with SpaceX for large satellite launch contracts. Moving the debut to 2027 delays the company’s planned entry into that market. It also pushes back when the vehicle can begin serving commercial demand.

The next steps are to complete the tank design refinements and adjust the component production process.