Rocket Lab's Small Rockets Fly Well, but Medium-Lift Neutron Delayed

At a glance

US space company Rocket Lab saw sharply higher revenue from small rocket launches and satellite manufacturing. However, the first launch of its medium-lift rocket Neutron has been pushed back to 2027 or later.

Key points

1. 1

   Third-quarter revenue rose 73% from a year earlier to $267.83 million.

2. 2

   The small rocket Electron completed its 99th launch and will attempt its 100th on the 14th.

3. 3

   Neutron is a reusable medium-lift rocket that can carry many satellites at once, being developed to compete with SpaceX's Falcon 9.

4. 4

   Third-quarter operating loss widened from a year earlier to $79.19 million.

Why it matters

Rocket Lab is a leading rival to SpaceX in the launch market, so the delay of its medium-lift rocket could affect the balance of the satellite launch business.