New Zealand Space Launch Is First From a Private Site
25th May 2017
An American company has launched a rocket into space from New Zealand, the first from a private launch facility.
Rocket Lab’s 17m-long (56ft) Electron lifted off from the Mahia Peninsula, in the North Island, the firm said.
The test flight was the first launch from New Zealand and is a major first step in an emerging market: launching cheap disposable rockets to carry small satellites and other payloads.
The company plans to start frequent commercial launches later this year.
Space — it’s not just for governments any more.