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Rocket Lab delays Neutron's first launch into 2026
Rocket Lab announced during its Q3 2025 earnings call that Neutron's first launch will slip from late 2025 to 2026, with the vehicle arriving at Wallops in Q1 2026 followed by qualification testing. The delay follows initial development timelines and will require completion of multiple test phases before debut flight.
- First vehicle due at Wallops pad in Q1 2026; inaugural flight after qualification testing.
- The first flight will carry no customer payload, dedicated to proving the vehicle.
- Program has already spent approximately $360 million, exceeding the $250–300 million budget.
- Subsequent January 2026 tank test failure pushed the debut further to Q4 2026.