Orbital launch provider Rocket Lab is set to open a second launch site for its Electron rocket in the US.
The company has selected four sites including Cape Canaveral, Wallops Flight Facility, Pacific Spaceport Complex in Alaska and Vandenberg Air Force Base for the purpose.
It expects a final decision on the new Launch Complex 2 to be made next month.
Rocket Lab founder and chief executive Peter Beck said: “The development of Rocket Lab’s US launch site strengthens our existing position as the industry leader providing frequent and tailored access to orbit for small satellites.
“Launching from US soil adds an extra layer of flexibility for our government and commercial customers, offering an unmatched ability to rapidly deploy space-based assets with confidence and precision.
“We believe the launch process should be simple, seamless and tailored to our customers’ missions – from idea to orbit. Every aspect of the Electron orbital launch programme is designed with this in mind and Launch Complex 2 is the next step in this strategy.”
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By GlobalDataRocket Lab’s new launch site will complement the company’s existing Launch Complex 1 facility on the Māhia Peninsula in New Zealand and provide rapid, flexible and cost-effective launch services to both commercial and US government satellite missions.
Launch Complex 1 has already secured a license to conduct a launch up to every 72 hours.
Launch Complex 2 is being developed to conduct monthly orbital launches, and the first launch is expected to be completed by the second quarter of next year.
Rocket Lab plans to begin construction of the site after it finalises the location.
