Rocket Lab has postponed the first launch of its reusable Neutron rocket to 2026. With a 13-ton payload capacity, Neutron is designed as a competitor to SpaceX’s Falcon 9.
Rocket Lab has announced that it has delayed the first launch of its medium-lift Neutron rocket to 2026. In a statement, company founder and CEO Peter Beck noted that although planned progress has been made in Neutron’s development process, additional time is needed.
Beck stated that the production of all main hardware components is complete and they are in the final testing phase. However, he said the engineering team needs extra time to eliminate risks and adhere to Rocket Lab’s meticulous processes. The company plans for the rocket to make its first flight in the first quarter of 2026 or immediately thereafter. For Rocket Lab, the success criterion is reaching orbit on the first attempt.
A Competitor to Falcon 9
The Neutron, which is approximately 43 meters long, is powered by Rocket Lab’s entirely in-house developed Archimedes engines. The rocket’s reusable first stage is designed to land on an ocean platform. However, on the first launch, this section is expected to make a water landing.
Neutron has a payload capacity of 13,000 kilograms to low Earth orbit, which positions it to compete directly with SpaceX’s Falcon 9 rocket. This is precisely why the company and the rocket are attracting so much interest, as SpaceX has effectively become a monopoly in the launch industry.
The Neutron program is seen as one of the fundamental steps in Rocket Lab’s transformation from a small satellite launch company to a full-scale space service provider. Another part of this transformation is NASA’s ESCAPADE Mars mission. Rocket Lab produced the two ESCAPADE satellites that will be sent to Mars orbit for this mission.
The company is also experiencing a busy period with its Electron rocket, which it uses for small satellite transport. According to Beck’s statement, Rocket Lab has signed 17 new launch contracts in the last three months. Electron is expected to break its annual launch record in 2025. The company’s 17th mission could take place before the end of this month.
What is the Rocket Lab Neutron Rocket?
The Neutron is a medium-lift, reusable launch vehicle (rocket) currently in development by the aerospace company Rocket Lab.
Its primary mission is to compete directly with SpaceX’s Falcon 9 and transform Rocket Lab from a small satellite company into a provider for large-scale satellite and constellation launches.
Key features and goals include:
- Payload Capacity: Capable of carrying 13,000 kg (13 tons) to low Earth orbit.
- Reusability: The first stage is designed to be fully reusable, with the ability to land on an ocean platform to be flown again.
- Engines: It is powered by Rocket Lab’s in-house Archimedes engines.
- Competition: It is specifically designed to challenge the SpaceX Falcon 9, which currently dominates the medium-lift launch market.
- Current Status: The first orbital launch attempt has been postponed and is now scheduled for 2026.
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