Neutron’s key component manufacturing has hit snags, its maiden launch delayed once again, sending RKLB shares plummeting nearly 15%

Rocket Lab announced it has pushed back the first launch of its Neutron medium reusable rocket from the fourth quarter of 2026 to 2027, primarily due to manufacturing issues with carbon fiber composite parts for the rocket’s first-stage propellant tank. The company still needs to carry out design optimization and adjust production processes. This is not the first technical setback Neutron has encountered: in January this year, the rocket’s first-stage tank ruptured during a pressure test, leading to extended subsequent manufacturing and verification work. The latest delay further pushes back Rocket Lab’s timeline to enter the medium launch vehicle market and compete with SpaceX for large satellite launch contracts, while also extending risks related to its R&D costs and commercial revenue realization cycle. Hit by the news, RKLB (Rocket Lab’s US stock) fell further in after-hours trading. Per TradingBeats monitoring, RKLB on Hyperliquid is currently trading at $54.53, down roughly 14.8% in 24 hours. A whale holding around 44,400 RKLB long positions was liquidated this morning, with a nominal transaction amount of about $2.49 million and a trading loss of approximately $740,000 (0x58f0). In an August 11 Bloomberg report, Rocket Lab had previously stated that its Neutron rocket project faced new delay risks, with the first launch possibly pushed to 2027. The company plans to deliver Neutron to the launch pad in the fourth quarter as scheduled, but has not confirmed the rocket will complete its first flight this year. Rocket Lab had originally targeted a first Neutron launch by the end of 2026. Earlier update: Rocket Lab warned of delay risks for Neutron’s first flight, potentially pushing it to 2027.