Rocket Lab pushes Neutron rocket's debut flight to 2027, shares fall
RKLB•Rocket Lab delayed the inaugural flight of its Neutron rocket until 2027, and its shares fell about 6% in extended trading.
1. Neutron launch delayed
Rocket Lab said the inaugural launch of its larger Neutron rocket is delayed until 2027, after previously targeting the fourth quarter of 2026. In August, the company said it aimed to get the vehicle to the launch pad in the fourth quarter rather than launch it then.
2. Rocket and launch plans
Neutron is a reusable medium-lift rocket central to Rocket Lab’s effort to compete for larger commercial satellite, civil-space and U.S. national-security missions. Last month, Rocket Lab signed a multi-year agreement with Tokyo-based Earth observation company Synspective for 20 new Electron missions.
