US-based Rocket Lab has transported its first Electron vehicle to its commercial launch site in Mahia Peninsula, New Zealand.
Transported from Rocket Lab’s facility in Auckland, the rocket will undergo a series of tests over the next few weeks.
Pre-flight checkouts of the Electron vehicle, named 'It’s a Test', will be also be conducted at the launch site.
Once completed, the proposed flight will be the first of three tests planned for the Electron vehicle.
Rocket Lab CEO Peter Beck said: “It’s an important milestone for our team and for the space industry. In the past, it’s been countries that go to space, not companies.
“Through the innovative use of new technologies, our team has created a launch vehicle designed for manufacture at scale. Our ultimate goal is to change our ability to access space.
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By GlobalData“Since we commenced this project three years ago, our team has accomplished an incredible amount, the vehicle has gone through rigorous qualification and acceptance testing, Rocket Lab Launch Complex 1 has been completed and major tracking infrastructure has been installed in remote locations.”
Last September, the company completed the construction of the world’s first private orbital launch complex in New Zealand.
The facility will primarily be used for launches to be carried out by Rocket Lab’s Electron vehicle, which is designed to lift a 150kg payload to a 500km Sun-synchronous orbit.
Image: Rocket Lab’s Electron launch vehicle. Photo: courtesy of Rocket Lab.
