Rocket Lab, a space-transportation startup, successfully blasted its first payload into orbit from a remote New Zealand pad. The company promises “frequent, economical launches of small satellites on rockets featuring 3-D printed engine parts,” according to The Wall Street Journal. Peter Beck, the company’s founder and chief executive, hopes to offer a breakthrough service for small satellites weighing hundreds of pounds, similar to the way Elon Musk’s Space Exploration Technology Corp revolutionized options for heavier payloads. The Rocket Lab flight was closely watched by the international aerospace community. Following some temporary glitches and delays the day before, the launch went smoothly.
After the launch, Beck released a statement, saying, “reaching orbit on a second test flight is significant on its own, but successfully deploying customer payloads so early in a new rocket program is almost unprecedented.”
Some U.S. startups are seeking to benefit from the trend toward smaller payloads. Rocket Lab has grown quickly and has invested roughly $100 million in the venture so far. They have about 200 employees and about half a dozen rockets currently in production.
Liftoff from Rocket Lab Launch Complex 1. Space is open for business. #StillTesting pic.twitter.com/BwXqrxa6Y6
— Rocket Lab (@RocketLab) January 21, 2018
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