Rocket Lab Neutron Tank Rupture Affects 2026 Launch Schedule
Written by Emily J. Thompson, Senior Investment Analyst
Updated: 1h ago
0mins
Source: stocktwits
- Testing Issues: Rocket Lab's qualification testing of the Neutron Stage 1 tank resulted in a rupture during a hydrostatic pressure trial, which, while part of the qualification process, failed to alleviate investor concerns regarding launch delays.
- Launch Schedule Delay: The company now expects to debut Neutron in 2026, a significant postponement from the initial plan for a late 2022 launch, indicating potential uncertainties in the development process that could affect future market performance.
- Stock Price Volatility: Following the latest qualification results that raised investor concerns, Rocket Lab's shares fell over 4% in after-market trading on Wednesday, potentially marking a third consecutive day of losses, despite a 26% increase in stock price this year.
- Increased Cash Consumption: Rocket Lab indicated that cash consumption will remain elevated due to Neutron development, subsequent production investments, and infrastructure expansion, which may have long-term implications for the company's financial health.
Analyst Views on RKLB
Wall Street analysts forecast RKLB stock price to fall over the next 12 months. According to Wall Street analysts, the average 1-year price target for RKLB is 73.11 USD with a low forecast of 60.00 USD and a high forecast of 90.00 USD. However, analyst price targets are subjective and often lag stock prices, so investors should focus on the objective reasons behind analyst rating changes, which better reflect the company's fundamentals.
11 Analyst Rating
8 Buy
3 Hold
0 Sell
Moderate Buy
Current: 89.160
Low
60.00
Averages
73.11
High
90.00
Current: 89.160
Low
60.00
Averages
73.11
High
90.00
About RKLB
Rocket Lab Corporation is an end-to-end space company. The Company designs and manufactures small and medium-class rockets, spacecraft and spacecraft components, and related software and services to support the space economy. The Company delivers reliable launch services, satellite manufacture, spacecraft design services, spacecraft components, spacecraft manufacturing, and other spacecraft and on-orbit management solutions that make it easier to access space. Its Launch Services segment provides launch and launch-related services to customers on a dedicated mission or ride-share basis. Its Space Systems segment comprises the design and manufacture of spacecraft components and spacecraft program management services, space data applications, and mission operations. Its space systems solutions are the building blocks for spacecraft, which include composite structures, reaction wheels, star trackers, solar solutions, radios, separation systems, and command and control spacecraft software.
About the author
Emily J. Thompson
Emily J. Thompson, a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) with 12 years in investment research, graduated with honors from the Wharton School. Specializing in industrial and technology stocks, she provides in-depth analysis for Intellectia’s earnings and market brief reports.
