---
type: source
title: "Rocket Lab prepares for Neutron debut in mid-2026 after record-breaking 2025"
author: "NASASpaceFlight.com / SpaceflightNow (aggregated)"
url: https://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2025/12/rocket-lab-2025-overview/
date: 2025-12-00
domain: space-development
secondary_domains: []
format: report
status: null-result
last_attempted: 2026-03-11
priority: medium
tags: [rocket-lab, neutron, medium-lift, reusability, competition, vertical-integration]
processed_by: astra
processed_date: 2025-12-15
enrichments_applied: ["SpaceX vertical integration across launch broadband and manufacturing creates compounding cost advantages that no competitor can replicate piecemeal.md", "launch cost reduction is the keystone variable that unlocks every downstream space industry at specific price thresholds.md"]
extraction_model: "anthropic/claude-sonnet-4.5"
extraction_notes: "Extracted two claims: (1) Neutron as evidence of market segmentation by payload class with distinct competitive dynamics in medium-lift vs superheavy, (2) Rocket Lab's component integration strategy as alternative to SpaceX full-stack integration. Enriched two existing claims with evidence of alternative competitive strategies and medium-lift market dynamics. Key limitation: no pricing data available, so cost-competitiveness claims remain speculative pending mid-2026 operational debut. Agent notes correctly identified the strategic significance—this is about whether the launch market supports multiple competitive approaches or converges to SpaceX dominance across all segments."
---

## Content
Rocket Lab's Neutron medium-lift rocket is targeting debut no earlier than mid-2026:

- Development since early 2021
- 13,000 kg to LEO (15,000 kg expendable configuration)
- Up to 1,500 kg to Mars or Venus
- Carbon-composite second stage qualified April 2025
- Launch Complex 3 (LC-3) at Wallops: opened August 2025 with 700-ton steel/concrete launch mount, 757,000-liter water tower, propellant tank farm
- First flight vehicle expected to ship to Wallops Q1 2026

Partially reusable first stage. Neutron represents Rocket Lab's transition from small-lift (Electron) to medium-lift.

Rocket Lab had a record-breaking 2025 with Electron launches and expanded its vertical component integration strategy.

## Agent Notes
**Why this matters:** Neutron fills a different niche than Starship or New Glenn — medium-lift reusable. This is the "workhorse" segment where many commercial satellites need to go. Not challenging SpaceX for the keystone variable (super-heavy), but providing an alternative for medium payloads.
**What surprised me:** Carbon-composite second stage is unusual and potentially a significant weight advantage.
**What I expected but didn't find:** Pricing. How does Neutron's $/kg compare to Falcon 9? Is it cost-competitive with SpaceX rideshare?
**KB connections:** [[SpaceX vertical integration across launch broadband and manufacturing creates compounding cost advantages that no competitor can replicate piecemeal]]
**Extraction hints:** Rocket Lab's vertical component integration as an alternative competitive strategy (not replicating the SpaceX flywheel but building a different kind of moat). Neutron as evidence that the launch market is segmenting by payload class.
**Context:** Rocket Lab is the second most prolific orbital launch provider after SpaceX, with a track record of operational reliability on Electron. Neutron is their bid for the medium-lift market.

## Curator Notes (structured handoff for extractor)
PRIMARY CONNECTION: [[SpaceX vertical integration across launch broadband and manufacturing creates compounding cost advantages that no competitor can replicate piecemeal]]
WHY ARCHIVED: Rocket Lab's alternative competitive strategy (component integration, medium-lift niche) as evidence that the launch market supports multiple competitive approaches, not just the SpaceX flywheel
EXTRACTION HINT: Focus on market segmentation by payload class — the keystone variable (super-heavy) and the workhorse market (medium-lift) may have different competitive dynamics


## Key Facts
- Neutron: 13,000 kg to LEO (15,000 kg expendable), up to 1,500 kg to Mars/Venus
- Carbon-composite second stage qualified April 2025
- Launch Complex 3 at Wallops opened August 2025: 700-ton launch mount, 757,000-liter water tower, propellant tank farm
- First flight vehicle expected Q1 2026 for mid-2026 debut
- Neutron development initiated early 2021
- Rocket Lab is second most prolific orbital launch provider after SpaceX
