Kiwis join space age

NEW Zealand has finally entered the space age, with the first-ever successful launch of an orbital rocket from a private pad.

US-New Zealand aerospace company Rocket Lab announced yesterday it had successfully launched its Electron rocket from its facility in the remote Mahia Peninsula between Napier and Gisborne.

“Made it to space. Team delighted. More to follow!” the company announced via Twitter.

The launch is the first time a rocket has been sent into orbit from a private facility.