Rocket Lab Falls After Neutron Rocket Debut Delayed to 2027

06:50 PM EDT, 10/14/2026 (MT Newswires) -- Rocket Lab (RKLB) delayed the first launch of its Neutron rocket to 2027 after identifying an issue with propellant tank manufacturing, Bloomberg reported Wednesday, citing Chief Executive Officer Peter Beck. Beck said the company replicated the issue, which caused air pockets in tank domes, and added manufacturing steps to prevent it, Bloomberg reported. Rocket Lab had previously targeted a launch by the end of 2026. The delay follows a January propellant tank rupture during testing, which Rocket Lab attributed to a third-party manufacturing defect, Bloomberg reported.