Rocket Lab pushes back first Neutron launch to 2027

Rocket Lab has delayed the maiden launch of its Neutron rocket again, due to carbon composite manufacturing issues. It is more than five years since Rocket Lab said it was developing the launcher, a step up from its workhorse Electron, and capable of sending up to 13,000 kg to Low Earth Orbit. At the time, 2024 was mooted as the first launch date. Then perhaps 2025. Then 2026. And now it is "expected to occur in 2027." It won't be early in 2027 either. During a briefing, boss Peter Beck said he expects to complete testing of the problematic components before the end of Q1 2027, at which point it will set a new launch date. According to Beck, Rocket Lab identified problems with a first-stage tank that failed qualification due to third-party processing. …