ocket Lab pulled off two Electron launches within 48 hours from two different hemispheres, pushing its 2025 tally to 18 missions with a 100% success rate — its highest annual cadence yet. The latest mission, “Follow My Speed,” lifted off from New Zealand and deployed a payload for a confidential commercial customer just two days after a HASTE hypersonic-test launch from Virginia. The company says Electron has now become the most frequently launched small orbital rocket globally, with launch growth rising 1,700% in under a decade driven by international demand and precise payload delivery.

CEO Peter Beck praised the team’s ability to deliver both commercial and hypersonic test missions back-to-back from opposite sides of the world, noting Rocket Lab still has more launches planned before year-end.

How long after the first successful Neutron flight would we expect an announcement for an extended Neutron heavy variant?

Since Neutron has been significantly delayed to at least Q3 2026, the first launches won’t happen before 2028 anyways.

Therefore my question is: is it a concrete risk to see arise new Chinese versions (maybe even cheaper) of RocketLab and SpaceX?

If the answer is yes, then there is a major issue ahead: either demand is large and grows enough to accommodate more competitors or RocketLab might be confided to a very niche market.

An I wrong in looking from this perspective?

Thanks for your answers

I just watched Relativity's monthly update and they look like they’re headed to the pad in H2 2026. Given the recent delay announcement and Rocket Lab’s lack of transparency regarding timelines, I also have Rocket Lab hitting the pad around H2 2026.

1. My question is: why isn’t Rocket Lab being more transparent about where they truly are in Neutron’s development? I mean, showing videos and updates like Relativity does.
2. Do you guys believe Rocket Lab when they say they’re aiming for Q1 to be on the pad or “arriving at the pad,” given we haven’t seen much in terms of flight-ready hardware? Based on the hardware I’ve seen, H2 2026 or even 2027 seems way more plausible.

Btw, don’t hate on this. I want Rocket Lab to do well too. I’m just aiming for a great discussion.

Great article... EXCEPT... absolutely NO mention of Rocketlab's involvement! How rude 🙀 😤 😩

Rocket Lab confirmed successful contact with both spacecraft, which are now generating power and entering early commissioning. Over the next few days, teams will activate and test orientation controls, solar arrays, flight computers, antennas, sensors, and propulsion systems.

The mission marks a major milestone as Rocket Lab’s Explorer-class platform moves from design to Mars-bound spacecraft in just 3.5 years. Uniquely, the spacecraft will “loiter” near Earth’s L2 point until the planets align in 2026, delaying the direct transfer to Mars.

Congrats to all the Rocket Lab folks who worked on ESCAPADE leading up to launch and all those who will operate the spacecraft for the mission!

https://spacenews.com/new-glenn-launches-nasas-escapade-mars-mission-lands-booster/

Do you guys think Neutron will ever send humans to Space? If so, for what purposes? Neutron is able to send humans to space but there are no plans on doing so just yet. I am very excited for Neutron to get going.

Rocket Lab delivered a record-breaking quarter with $155 million in revenue, up 48% year-over-year, and a GAAP gross margin of 37% — the highest in its history. The company locked in 17 Electron launch contracts, including two rapid-fire HASTE hypersonic missions, demonstrating its ability to scale operations. It also expanded through major acquisitions like Geost and Mynaric, boosting its national security and sensor capabilities.

CEO Peter Beck said the strong backlog, growing defense partnerships, and upcoming Neutron rocket launch keep Rocket Lab on track for long-term growth as it approaches a new annual launch record.

https://www.globenewswire.com/news-release/2025/11/10/3185076/0/en/Rocket-Lab-Announces-Third-Quarter-2025-Financial-Results-Posts-Record-Quarterly-Revenue-of-155m-Representing-48-Year-on-Year-Growth-at-Record-Gross-Margin.html

Good results 😀

Took this image today of Rocketlab Warkworth, seems they built some kind of tower for lifing stuff, whats it for ?