Rocket Lab Neutron: First Launch, Schedule & Specs
Rocket Lab's Neutron has not launched yet. The earliest missions on its manifest, Maiden Flight and NZSA Venus Mission, are NET 2027. 3 Neutron missions are on the upcoming manifest.
Upcoming Neutron launches
Dates are UTC. NET means "no earlier than"; a month-only NET is the target month.
- Maiden Flight Rocket Lab TBD
- NZSA Venus Mission TBD
- Kepler Communications Constellation TBD
Neutron launch history
Neutron has not launched yet.
Latest Neutron news
- Rocket Lab Provides Update on Neutron Development and Adjusts Target Launch Timing (opens in a new tab) Rocket Lab
Rocket Lab provided a Neutron development update on Oct; 14, 2026, including an adjusted target launch schedule.
- Rocket Lab delays first Neutron launch again (opens in a new tab) SpaceNews
Rocket Lab delayed the first Neutron rocket launch to 2027, citing issues producing carbon composite components for the vehicle.
- Rocket issues delay 1st-ever private mission to Venus: 'We are awaiting Neutron readiness' (opens in a new tab) Space.com
Rocket Lab's first private Venus mission is delayed, awaiting readiness of the company's Neutron rocket, which has not yet made its debut flight.
- First Neutron launch may slip to 2027 (opens in a new tab) SpaceNews
Rocket Lab warns first Neutron launch may slip to 2027 as pad testing timeline narrows, despite targeting Q4 2026 delivery.
- Rocket Lab Inks Neutron Launch Deal with Kepler Communications (opens in a new tab) Rocket Lab
Rocket Lab will launch a dedicated Neutron mission for Kepler Communications; The mission was announced on August 10, 2026.
Neutron
Neutron is Rocket Lab's medium-lift reusable launch vehicle.
≈ 5,200
kiwis