HuoXing Finance reports that on October 15, Rocket Lab announced it was delaying the first launch of its Neutron medium reusable rocket from the fourth quarter of 2026 to 2027, primarily due to manufacturing challenges with carbon fiber composite components for the first-stage propellant tanks, requiring further design optimization and production process adjustments. This is not the first technical setback for Neutron; in January this year, the first-stage tank ruptured during a pressure test, extending subsequent manufacturing and validation efforts. This latest delay further pushes back Rocket Lab’s timeline to enter the medium-lift launch market and compete with SpaceX for large satellite launch contracts, while also increasing the risk of extended R&D costs and delayed revenue realization. Following this news, RKLB shares fell further in after-hours trading. According to TradingBeats monitoring, RKLB on Hyperliquid is currently trading at $54.53, down approximately 14.8% over 24 hours. A whale holding approximately 44,400 RKLB long positions was liquidated this morning, with a notional trade value of about $2.49 million and a realized loss of approximately $740,000 (0x58f0). Bloomberg reported on August 11 that Rocket Lab had already indicated new risks of delay for the Neutron program, with the first launch potentially pushed to 2027. The company planned to deliver Neutron to the launch pad in the fourth quarter as scheduled but did not confirm whether the rocket could achieve its first flight this year. Previously, Rocket Lab aimed to complete Neutron’s maiden flight by the end of 2026. Prior news: Rocket Lab warned of potential delay for Neutron’s maiden flight, possibly pushing it to 2027.
Rocket Lab Delays Neutron Rocket Launch to 2027; RKLB Drops 14.8%
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Summary
Rocket Lab delays the Neutron rocket launch to 2027, pushing back competition with SpaceX. The delay is due to issues with carbon fiber propellant tanks, marking the second setback following a pressure test failure in January 2026. RKLB dropped 14.8% in after-hours trading as the Fear & Greed Index shifted toward panic. A whale lost $740,000 after 44,400 long positions were liquidated. Altcoins to watch may experience ripple effects as market sentiment shifts.
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