Rocket Lab dives on new delay for Neutron
Shares of retail favorite Rocket Lab plunged Friday after the company pushed back plans for the first launch of its bigger Neutron rocket to the fourth quarter of 2026.
Neutron was originally set launch in late 2025. That plan was scrapped in November, with the new target date set broadly for the middle of 2026.
As CEO Peter Beck laid out for Sherwood News in an interview, Neutron is the cornerstone of the money-losing company’s plans to leap to profitability, as it will enable Rocket Lab to enter the market for larger, and more lucrative, payload launches. That market is currently dominated by Elon Musk’s SpaceX.
In January, one of Neutron’s fuel tanks ruptured during a test, necessitating construction of another, as well as some design changes. During the company’s post-earnings conference call last night, Beck told analysts Neutron’s first launch is now expected during the fourth quarter of 2026.
“Neutron is still scheduled to come to market in an incredibly aggressive time frame,” Beck said.
Judging by the stumble for the shares, which by around 1:30 p.m. ET were on track for their worst drop since last fall, investors are not buoyed by those assurances.
As CEO Peter Beck laid out for Sherwood News in an interview, Neutron is the cornerstone of the money-losing company’s plans to leap to profitability, as it will enable Rocket Lab to enter the market for larger, and more lucrative, payload launches. That market is currently dominated by Elon Musk’s SpaceX.
In January, one of Neutron’s fuel tanks ruptured during a test, necessitating construction of another, as well as some design changes. During the company’s post-earnings conference call last night, Beck told analysts Neutron’s first launch is now expected during the fourth quarter of 2026.
“Neutron is still scheduled to come to market in an incredibly aggressive time frame,” Beck said.
Judging by the stumble for the shares, which by around 1:30 p.m. ET were on track for their worst drop since last fall, investors are not buoyed by those assurances.
