WALLOPS ISLAND, Virginia, — US aerospace company Rocket Lab has secured more than $515 million in new Neutron launch contracts, covering eight missions for five customers during the third quarter of 2026. The announcement on November 9 brings the rocket's total backlog to 16 missions before its first flight.
Rocket Lab has also increased Neutron's base launch price from $55 million to $70 million. Several new contracts were signed at the higher price. Due to strong demand and limited launch capacity, the next available launch slots have moved into the 2030s.
Five Customers Book Eight Missions
The largest order comes from ICEYE, which secured three dedicated Neutron launches beginning in late 2028. Its synthetic aperture radar (SAR) satellites can capture images at night and through clouds. Ukraine has also used ICEYE imagery to monitor Russian military movements.
The US Space Force booked one dedicated launch for its Space-Based Airborne Moving Target Indicator (SB-AMTI) program. It aims to track aircraft and other moving targets from orbit, a role currently supported by radar aircraft such as the E-3 Sentry. Rocket Lab previously received a $397 million award covering spacecraft development, launch and operations for the program.
Other customers include Muon Space, which booked two launches for 2029 and 2030; Starcloud, which secured one 2029 launch for its planned space-based data centres; and Canada's Kepler Communications, which signed for one dedicated launch earlier in the quarter.
Rocket Lab CEO Sir Peter Beck said Neutron is rapidly establishing itself as a platform for next-generation satellite constellations and government missions in the medium-lift launch category.
Neutron Rocket Specifications and Defence Contracts
Neutron is a reusable medium-lift rocket designed to carry up to 13,000 kg (28,700 pounds) to low Earth orbit. It is positioned between Rocket Lab's smaller Electron rocket and heavy-lift vehicles such as SpaceX's Falcon 9.
Rocket Lab has also secured major US defence opportunities, including selection for the $5.6 billion National Security Space Launch (NSSL) program, under which it can compete for missions after Neutron receives certification. The company has additionally received a $266 million missile-testing contract from the US Space Force and participated in Pentagon hypersonic testing initiatives.
Neutron's first flight is scheduled for 2027. However, the rocket has not yet flown, and its growing order book depends on successful testing and a transition to regular launch operations.
——— End of Article ———