Rocket Lab Fabricates Replacement Neutron Forward Dome Nine Days After Defect Pushed Maiden Launch to 2027

Rocket Lab ($RKLB) completed production of a replacement carbon-composite Stage 1 forward dome for its medium-lift Neutron vehicle just nine days after manufacturing defects forced management to push the rocket's debut flight from late 2026 into 2027.
The rapid turnaround inside the Neutron production facility follows quality-control inspections that detected microscopic voids (air pockets) in the thicker carbon-composite sections of the original tank dome:
• Defect Remediation: The issue emerged following automated carbon fiber layup process adjustments, prompting the manufacturing team to adjust curing parameters and composite resin pressure profiles.
• Component Progress: The adjusted process successfully yielded Rocket Lab’s highest-spec aft dome to date, with the new forward dome now entering ultrasonic non-destructive testing (NDT) and inspection.
• Testing & Assembly Timeline: Stage 1 tank assembly, hydrostatic verification, and cryogenic pressure testing remain slated for completion by Q1 2027, ahead of final integration with Archimedes engines at the Wallops Island launch site.