Interactive > http://tinyurl.com/kcnj5a6
“Our focus with the Electron has been to develop a reliable launch vehicle that can be manufactured in high volumes. Our ultimate goal is to make space accessible by providing an unprecedented frequency of launch opportunities,” said Peter Beck, Rocket Lab founder and chief executive in a statement.
The firm had spent the past four years preparing for the test launch and last week received the go-ahead from the US Federal Aviation Administration, which is monitoring the flight.
Bad weather had delayed the rocket from taking off three times this week.
New Zealand has created new rocket legislation and set up a space agency in anticipation of becoming a low-cost space hub.
Ships and planes need re-routing every time a rocket is launched, which limits opportunities in crowded US skies, but New Zealand, has only Antarctica to its south. The country is also well-positioned to send satellites bound for a north-to-south orbit around the poles.
But many locals in the predominantly Maori community were not happy with access to public areas blocked.
“People come to Mahia so they can go to the beach and it’s been chopped off now and by the sounds of it one of these rockets are going to be launching one every 30 days so they’ve taken over our lifestyle,” said Mahia farmer Pua Taumata.
But Taumata also said the programme could bring opportunities.
“I’m for technology ... a lot of things could come of it through education. It gives our children something different in their careers. Nobody thought to get into the space industry (before now),” he said.
Rocket Lab is one of about 30 companies and agencies worldwide developing small satellite launchers as an alternative to firms jostling for space on larger launches or paying around $50 million for a dedicated service. The company said in a statement it has now received $148m in funding and is valued in excess of $1bn.
Rocket Lab’s customers include NASA, earth-imaging firm Planet and startups Spire and Moon Express.
The firm will carry out two more tests before it starts commercial operations, slated to begin towards the end of this year.
Since you’re here …
… we have a small favour to ask. More people are reading the Guardian than ever but advertising revenues across the media are falling fast. And unlike many news organisations, we haven’t put up a paywall – we want to keep our journalism as open as we can. So you can see why we need to ask for your help. The Guardian’s independent, investigative journalism takes a lot of time, money and hard work to produce. But we do it because we believe our perspective matters – because it might well be your perspective, too.
High quality journalism is essential intellectual nourishment. The generosity of providing such a service without a paywall deserves recognition and supportGiacomo P, Italy
I’ve been enjoying the Guardian’s top-quality journalism for several years now. Today, when so much seems to be going wrong in the world, the Guardian is working hard to confront and challenge those in power. I want to support thatRobb H, Canada
I appreciate there not being a paywall: it is more democratic for the media to be available for all and not a commodity to be purchased by a few. I’m happy to make a contribution so others with less means still have access to information.Thomasine F-R, Sweden
If everyone who reads our reporting, who likes it, helps to support it, our future would be much more secure.
Link > http://tinyurl.com/kcnj5a6