Rocket Lab delays first Neutron rocket launch to 2027

Rocket Lab has rescheduled the first launch of its Neutron reusable medium-class rocket to 2027. The delay follows the discovery of manufacturing defects in the carbon fiber composite components of the first-stage fuel tank.

CEO Peter Beck reported that engineers identified air voids between the carbon fiber layers in the forward tank dome. These imperfections occurred as the company transitioned to new manufacturing methods, specifically automated fiber placement, to avoid using large autoclaves for the massive structures. This follows a previous incident in January where a Neutron fuel tank ruptured during a pressure test.

While the company has successfully produced an aft dome with high composite quality using revised processes, the forward dome still requires construction and inspection. Rocket Lab expects to complete these milestones and the subsequent first-stage assembly and testing campaign by the first quarter of 2027. The company noted that it prefers to provide realistic timelines rather than dates that may require further revisions.