Rocket Lab Stock News

Rocket Lab stock is sinking sharply Thursday after the aerospace company pushed back the launch of its Neutron rocket.

Rocket Lab USA Inc (NASDAQ:RKLB), the American space launch and systems company, fell 13% to $51.42 on Thursday after delaying the maiden flight of its Neutron rocket until 2027. The company had previously targeted an inaugural launch in the fourth quarter of 2026, but manufacturing problems with the rocket's first-stage propellant tank have forced another change to the timetable.

The company pushed backed the launch window for its larger rocket.

Rocket Lab stock price tumbled below a key support level as investors reacted to the new developments about Neutron, its next generation vehicle. RKLB dropped to $54.54, its lowest level since December 2025.

Rocket Lab stock falls after the SpaceX rival announced another delay for its medium-lift Neutron rocket, missing a 2026 launch target.

Neutron, a medium-lift rocket meant to rival SpaceX's Falcon 9, will no longer launch this year.

Rocket Lab on Wednesday said the inaugural launch of its ​new, larger Neutron rocket was ‌delayed until next year, sending the space firm's shares down about ​6% in extended trading.

LONG BEACH, Calif., Oct. 14, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Rocket Lab Corporation (Nasdaq: RKLB) (“Rocket Lab” or “the Company”), a global leader in launch services and space systems, today shared an update on the Neutron launch vehicle development program, including an adjusted schedule for Neutron's inaugural launch, which is now expected to occur in 2027.