NZ joins space race

Photo: Twitter/@RocketLabUSA.

New Zealand has finally entered the space age with the world-first successful launch of an orbital rocket from a private pad, but it didn't quite reach orbit.

US-New Zealand aerospace company Rocket Lab announced on Thursday afternoon it had successfully launched its Electron rocket from the remote Mahia Peninsula, between Napier and Gisborne on day four of a 10-day launch window.

"Made it to space. Team delighted. More to follow!" the company, run by Invercargill-born chief executive and founder Peter Beck, announced on Twitter about 4.30pm.

The rocket reached space but it did not reach orbit and while they maintain the flight puts them in good stead they will now investigate what went wrong.

The launch makes New Zealand just the 11th country to launch an orbital rocket, but the first from a private facility.

Minister for Economic Development Simon Bridges has congratulated the team at Rocket Lab on the successful launch of their first test rocket on the Mahia Peninsula.

'The successful launch is a major milestone in the development of New Zealand's space industry,” says the Tauranga MP.

'It's the first visible sign of a space industry in New Zealand and is an achievement Rocket Lab, and all New Zealanders can be proud of.”

New Zealand is now one of 11 countries currently able to launch satellites into space from their own territory and the first to launch from a fully private orbital launch range. 'The potential benefits for our economy are very significant. These include opportunities to grow in areas related to the space industry such as research, materials development and testing, and to attract other space related companies to set up in New Zealand, and even space tourism.

'The Government is supportive of any industry that grows our economy through high-tech, innovative highly skilled activities.”

A range of government agencies, led by the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment, is also ensuring launch activities are safe and secure.

'We hope the launch will encourage others to come to New Zealand and enjoy the same attractive features that Rocket Lab is taking advantage of, including good access to orbits, clear skies, a skilled workforce and an innovation friendly environment.”

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4 comments

Fantastic

Posted on 26-05-2017 08:21 | By Papamoaner

These guys are amazing and have put us on the map. We are very proud of them. Doubtless much more to come.


Congratulatins Peter

Posted on 26-05-2017 08:25 | By hapukafin

A momentous Kiwi effort well done.Dont let the Aussies ty to claim it


No plagerism here

Posted on 26-05-2017 11:47 | By Papamoaner

Yes, it certainly took off like Pharlap. Was that a bit of Pavlova we saw in the smoke?


Not convinced....

Posted on 26-05-2017 12:35 | By maildrop

...why NZ wants to add to all the space junk that orbits the planet. Of the thousand of bits of metal orbiting, the majority no longer works, and just floats about. Space junk is a growing problem and may come back to bite one day. I guess it just shows once again that the 100% pure/clean green/paradise stuff whiffs a bit. Just entrepreneurs chasing a buck and good luck to them.


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