US EditionRocket Lab's Path To Neutron Launch: Breaking Tanks To Break Records - Rocket Lab (NASDAQ:RKLB)
The rupture occurred during a destructive hydrostatic test as Rocket Lab verifies structural integrity and safety margins to ensure launch readiness, with no injuries reported.
- On Jan. 21, 2026, Rocket Lab reported a Neutron Stage 1 tank ruptured during an overnight hydrostatic pressure qualification trial at its Space Structures Complex in Middle River, Maryland.
- Qualification testing intentionally stresses hardware to validate safety margins, and Rocket Lab said qualification testing pushes Neutron structures to their limits, making failures not uncommon.
- There were no reported injuries and no significant damage to the test structure or facilities, and Rocket Lab said the next Stage 1 tank is already in production.
- The team is reviewing Stage 1 test data to determine the extent of the impact to Neutron's launch schedule, and Rocket Lab plans to update investors during its Q4 2025 earnings call in February.
- With more than 1,700 missions supported, Rocket Lab's programs matter to customers and investors, and Neutron's 13,000 kg payload capacity to low Earth orbit had a planned 2026 maiden launch.
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16 Articles
Rocket Lab's Path To Neutron Launch: Breaking Tanks To Break Records - Rocket Lab (NASDAQ:RKLB)
In the high-stakes world of aerospace development, the difference between a successful orbit and a catastrophic mission failure is often found at the absolute edge of a pressure gauge. Rocket Lab's latest update on its medium-lift Neutron rocket serves as a reminder of this reality: to build a vehicle that breaks industry records, the company must first be willing to break it on the ground. RKLB stock is down. See the chart and price action he…
Rocket Lab's Stock Implodes Alongside Its Neutron Rocket. Time to Sell?
Rocket Lab (NASDAQ:RKLB) disclosed last night that qualification testing of the Stage 1 tank for its Neutron medium-lift rocket resulted in a rupture during a hydrostatic pressure trial. The company stated there was no significant damage to test structures or facilities, and the next Stage 1 tank is already in production. It said that testing ... Rocket Lab’s Stock Implodes Alongside Its Neutron Rocket. Time to Sell?
Rocket Lab suffers Neutron testing setback
A tank built for Rocket Lab’s Neutron rocket was damaged during qualification testing, threatening to further delay the vehicle’s first flight. The post Rocket Lab suffers Neutron testing setback appeared first on SpaceNews.
The Hamilton Spectator
Rocket Lab Neutron Test Update
LONG BEACH, Calif., Jan. 21, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Rocket Lab Corporation (Nasdaq: RKLB) (“Rocket Lab” or “the Company”), a global leader in launch services and space systems, today announced an update relating to the development of its Neutron rocket.
Rocket Lab's Path To Neutron Launch: Breaking Tanks To Break Records
In the high-stakes world of aerospace development, the difference between a successful orbit and a catastrophic mission failure is often found at the absolute edge of a pressure gauge. Rocket Lab's latest update on its medium-lift Neutron rocket serves as a reminder of this reality: to build a…
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