Rocket Lab expands with new launch site in the US
Rocket Lab, an orbital launch provider based in the United States, has confirmed plans to expand its launch capability.
Founder and chief executive Peter Beck, who is a former Southlander, said the company was developing a United States launch site, with four space ports shortlisted to launch the Electron rocket.
The sites considered for the new pad are Cape Canaveral, Wallops Flight Facility, Pacific Spaceport Complex – Alaska and Vandenberg Air Force Base.
A decision on the confirmed site, to be named Launch Complex 2, is expected in August with the first launch expected in the second quarter of 2019.
Beck was born and raised in Invercargill. He left the city in 1995, aged 18, and moved to Dunedin to work at Fisher & Paykel. He had studied at James Hargest College, where he was encouraged to develop his talents in science and engineering.
He founded Rocket Lab in 2006. Along with the planned new edition, the company also offers the world’s first private orbital launch range in Mahia, south of Gisborne.
‘‘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...
‘‘We believe the launch process should be simple, seamless and tailored to our customers’ missions – from idea to orbit,’’ Beck said.