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Rocket Lab Delays Neutron Debut to 2026 to Prioritize Ground Testing

Launch timing will follow qualification results after an early 2026 delivery to Virginia’s LC-3.

Overview

  • CEO Peter Beck said the goal is to reach orbit on the first attempt, rejecting a rush to the pad with an unproven vehicle.
  • Archimedes engines are in validation and qualification at NASA’s Stennis Space Center with testing running 20 hours a day, seven days a week.
  • Booster reuse will not be attempted on Flight 1, with a 400-foot recovery barge named Return on Investment expected to support a later mission.
  • CFO Adam Spice expects Neutron development spend to total about $360 million by the end of 2025, with quarterly outlays peaking in Q4 2025.
  • The first launch will fly without a customer payload, while two fully priced Neutron missions sit in the backlog alongside a strong cash position of just over $1 billion.