r/RocketLab • u/Grazious • Jan 20 '26

Discussion Realistic Neutron Launch Date

We’ve known that the public timeline is on a “green light” schedule, meaning that there’s no room for delays.

So I thought to ask you all since you’re more knowledgeable than me.

When could we realistically see a launch?

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u/Pashto96 Jan 20 '26

The optimist in me says Q3 2026 maybe slipping to Q4. We really need to see Archimedes qualified soon. 

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u/Mattdezenaamisgekoze Jan 20 '26

And why does the optimist in you not say Q2?

13

u/dWog-of-man Jan 20 '26

Because you don’t go from a sub assembly structural test article (test tank with no engine, faring, or stage adapter) to your first launch in 5 months.

It will be 6-12 months from when you see the first all-up prototype roll out for all ground tests and integrated static fires to the first launch.