Rocket Lab (RKLB) reports Neutron Stage 1 tank rupture and reviews schedule impact

Rhea-AI Filing Summary

Rocket Lab Corporation filed an update on the development of its Neutron rocket following a qualification test incident. During a hydrostatic pressure trial, the Stage 1 tank ruptured, and the company’s team is now reviewing the Stage 1 test data. The outcome of this review will determine how much Neutron’s launch schedule is affected. The company communicated these details in a press release furnished as an exhibit, emphasizing that this information is provided for disclosure purposes and is not incorporated into other securities filings unless specifically referenced.

Positive

• None.

Negative

• Neutron Stage 1 tank rupture during qualification hydrostatic testing introduces uncertainty around the rocket’s launch schedule, pending completion of data review.

Insights

Aerospace & launch systems analyst

Stage 1 tank rupture introduces uncertainty for Neutron’s launch schedule.

Rocket Lab Corporation reports that Neutron’s Stage 1 tank ruptured during qualification testing in a hydrostatic pressure trial. Qualification tests are designed to validate components under extreme conditions before flight, so a rupture at this stage signals that design, materials, or test margins may require reassessment.

The company states that its team is reviewing Stage 1 test data, and that this review will determine the extent of the impact to Neutron’s launch schedule. This ties the program timeline directly to engineering findings and any resulting redesign or retest work, though no specific dates or milestones are provided in the excerpt.

Because Neutron is a major launch vehicle under development, any delay or redesign stemming from this incident could influence when the rocket becomes operational. Investors will need future company communications to understand how the test outcome translates into updated schedules and development priorities.

FALSE000181999400018199942026-01-212026-01-21

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

FORM 8-K

CURRENT REPORT

Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934

Date of Report (Date of earliest event reported): January 21, 2026

ROCKET LAB CORPORATION

(Exact name of Registrant as Specified in Its Charter)

Delaware			001-39560			39-2182599
(State or Other Jurisdiction of Incorporation)			(Commission File Number)			(IRS Employer Identification No.)
3881 McGowen Street
Long Beach, California						90808
(Address of Principal Executive Offices)						(Zip Code)

Registrant’s Telephone Number, Including Area Code: 714 465-5737

Not Applicable

(Former Name or Former Address, if Changed Since Last Report)

Check the appropriate box below if the Form 8-K filing is intended to simultaneously satisfy the filing obligation of the registrant under any of the following provisions:

☐    Written communications pursuant to Rule 425 under the Securities Act (17 CFR 230.425)

☐    Soliciting material pursuant to Rule 14a-12 under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14a-12)

☐    Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 14d-2(b) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14d-2(b))

☐    Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 13e-4(c) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.13e-4(c))

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:

Title of each class

Trading Symbol(s)

Name of each exchange on which registered

Common Stock, par value $0.0001 per share

RKLB

The Nasdaq Stock Market LLC

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is an emerging growth company as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act of 1933 (§ 230.405 of this chapter) or Rule 12b-2 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (§ 240.12b-2 of this chapter).

Emerging growth company ☐

If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. ☐

Item 7.01 Regulation FD Disclosure.

On January 21, 2026, Rocket Lab Corporation (the “Company”) issued a press release, providing an update relating to the development of its Neutron rocket. A copy of the press release is furnished as Exhibit 99.1 to this Current Report on Form 8-K.

The information set forth under this Item 7.01 and in Exhibit 99.1 is not being filed for purposes of Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), and is not to be incorporated by reference into any filing of the registrant under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or the Exchange Act, whether made before or after the date hereof, regardless of any general incorporation language in any such filing, except as shall be expressly set forth by specific reference in such a filing.

Item 8.01 Other Events.

On January 21, 2026, the Company issued a press release, providing an update relating to the development of its Neutron rocket. Qualification testing of the Stage 1 tank resulted in a rupture during a hydrostatic pressure trial. The team is reviewing the Stage 1 test data, which will determine the extent of the impact to Neutron’s launch schedule.

Item 9.01 Financial Statements and Exhibits.

(d) Exhibits.

Exhibit						Description
99.1						Press Release of Rocket Lab Corporation, dated January 21, 2026
104						Cover Page Interactive Data File (embedded within the Inline XBRL document).

SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned hereunto duly authorized.

									ROCKET LAB CORPORATION
Date:			January 21, 2026			By:			/s/ Adam Spice
									Adam Spice Chief Financial Officer

FAQ

What did Rocket Lab Corporation (RKLB) disclose about its Neutron rocket?

Rocket Lab Corporation disclosed that it provided an update on the development of its Neutron rocket, including the results of recent qualification testing of the Stage 1 tank.

What happened during Rocket Lab’s Neutron Stage 1 tank test?

During a hydrostatic pressure trial conducted as part of qualification testing, Neutron’s Stage 1 tank ruptured, prompting further review by the company’s team.

How might the Stage 1 tank rupture affect Neutron’s launch schedule for RKLB?

Rocket Lab stated that the team is reviewing the Stage 1 test data, and that this review will determine the extent of the impact to Neutron’s launch schedule.

How did Rocket Lab communicate this Neutron development update?

Rocket Lab issued a press release on January 21, 2026, providing the Neutron development update. The press release is furnished as Exhibit 99.1 to the report.

Is Rocket Lab’s Neutron update incorporated into its other SEC filings?

The company stated that the information under the Regulation FD disclosure item and in Exhibit 99.1 is not filed for purposes of Section 18 and is not incorporated into other securities filings unless specifically referenced.

What SEC form did Rocket Lab Corporation (RKLB) use for this Neutron rocket update?

Rocket Lab Corporation used a Form 8-K to provide a Regulation FD disclosure and other event information regarding the Neutron rocket’s Stage 1 tank test and resulting review.