Rocket Lab has postponed the inaugural flight of its Neutron rocket to 2026, citing the need for more testing and qualification work.
CEO Sir Peter Beck announced the delay during the company’s third-quarter earnings call on Nov. 10, saying the goal is to deliver Neutron to the Virginia Spaceport Authority’s Mid-Atlantic Regional Spaceport in early 2026, “with first launch thereafter.”
“As always, this is a rocket program that’s been completed at a pace and a cost that nobody has achieved before,” Beck said. “It’s insignificant to take a little bit more time to get it right.”
Beck emphasized that Rocket Lab won’t rush to the pad, adding, “Neutron will fly when we’re very confident it’s ready.”
The 141-foot reusable rocket will be powered by Archimedes engines, which are undergoing intensive testing at NASA’s Stennis Space Center. Beck said the design is “pretty stable” and that most components for the first flight are already in production.
Chief Financial Officer Adam Spice said total program costs are now expected to reach about $360 million by the end of 2025 due to the extended schedule.
The first flight will not carry a customer payload, but Rocket Lab has two fully priced missions in its backlog, with more expected as Neutron nears launch readiness.
