Rocket Lab moves Neutron's first launch into 2027

On Oct. 14, 2026 Rocket Lab said Neutron's first launch is now expected in 2027. In a video update the same day, CEO Peter Beck said manufacturing issues in the first-stage forward propellant dome drove the slip, that those defects do not necessarily mean the dome would fail in flight, and that a replacement dome should be built and inspected before the first quarter, with first-stage assembly expected during that quarter. The 8-K does not give a launch month.