Rocket Lab faces a Neutron rocket delay, now targeting a 2027 launch, but maintains a strong buy rating with >100% upside. Neutron's manufacturing setback is a process—not design—issue; RKLB's disciplined, risk-averse approach prioritizes long-term reliability over rushed timelines. The Iridium (IRDM) acquisition diversifies RKLB into space systems and constellation operations, with equity financing raising dilution risk amid higher interest rates.
Rocket Lab has shed nearly a fifth of its value in one week while sitting on a record backlog and a wall of analyst buy ratings. Something in that contradiction deserves a closer look.
Rocket Lab (NASDAQ:RKLB | RKLB Price Prediction) trades at $55.25 after the company pushed Neutron's first launch into 2027, a 6.6% decline, though it had been down as much as 16% early on.
Rocket Lab now expects Neutron's first launch in 2027, after aiming for the fourth quarter of 2026. Second-quarter revenue climbed 62% year over year to a record $234 million.
NASDAQ · As of 4:00 PM ET 10/15/26
Rocket Lab updated its Neutron rocket timeline yesterday. Two firms revisited price targets on Rocket Lab stock.
Rocket Lab stock is sinking sharply Thursday after the aerospace company pushed back the launch of its Neutron rocket.
Rocket Lab Corporation faces a Neutron rocket launch delay to 2027, triggering a sharp share price drop and shifting near-term catalysts. Despite Neutron setbacks, 80% of RKLB's revenue comes from its resilient Space Systems division, providing margin of safety amid execution risks. RKLB's Iridium acquisition positions it closer to a vertically integrated space infrastructure model, echoing SpaceX's strategy.
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.
Neutron, the medium-lift reusable rocket at the center of Rocket Lab‘s (NASDAQ:RKLB | RKLB Price Prediction) push into larger launches, is now scheduled to make its first flight in 2027, later than the company had targeted.
A carbon-composite dome no bigger than the top of a propellant tank just shook billions in market value and pushed Rocket Lab's most important bet to a launch date the company has not yet set.