Launch Complex 1 – Page 7 – Spaceflight Now

Ground antenna problem scrubs Rocket Lab’s first commercial launch

June 23, 2018 Stephen Clark

Problems with a downrange tracking station kept Rocket Lab’s Electron launcher on the ground in New Zealand Friday, U.S. time, and the company ordered a two-day delay to resolve the issues and wait for improved weather. Rocket Lab pushed back the launch again to Tuesday because of unfavorable weather.

Live coverage: Rocket Lab launch attempt scrubbed

June 22, 2018 Stephen Clark

Rocket Lab called off a launch attempt Tuesday, U.S. time, in New Zealand after encountering a technical problem during the countdown for the company’s first commercial satellite launch. Tuesday’s countdown came after a four-day delay to resolve problems with a downrange tracking station and wait for improved weather.

CubeSats set to ride on Rocket Lab’s first commercial launch

June 22, 2018 Stephen Clark

Five small satellites, including one built by high school students in Southern California, are awaiting launch Friday from New Zealand aboard the first commercial flight of Rocket Lab’s Electron booster.

Rocket Lab updates launch window for first commercial mission

May 25, 2018 Stephen Clark

After a two-month delay to resolve a technical concern, Rocket Lab plans to launch its first commercial mission as soon as June 22, U.S. time, from the company’s rocket base in New Zealand, the company announced Friday.

Rocket Lab postpones first commercial launch after issue during fueling test

April 17, 2018 Stephen Clark

Rocket Lab said Tuesday it will push back the first commercial launch of its light-class Electron rocket from New Zealand by a few weeks to address a problem uncovered during a recent fueling test.

Rocket Lab preps for first commercial satellite launch

April 6, 2018 Stephen Clark

Rocket Lab’s first full-up commercial launch is set for April 19, U.S. time, from the company’s privately-operated launch base in New Zealand with three U.S.-owned satellites to collect weather data.

Rocket Lab delivers nanosatellites to orbit on first successful test launch

January 21, 2018 Stephen Clark

Rocket Lab’s privately-developed Electron launcher soared into orbit from New Zealand on Saturday, U.S. time, a success that puts the company’s founder said will hasten dedicated, frequent and affordable rides to space for small satellites.

Video: Rocket Lab achieves orbit on historic launch from New Zealand

January 21, 2018 Stephen Clark

Rocket Lab’s Electron rocket took off from a picturesque commercial launch base in New Zealand on Saturday, U.S. time, on a test flight that delivered three CubeSats into orbit on the company’s first successful satellite deployment.

Rocket Lab test launch halted by ship traffic, deteriorating weather

January 20, 2018 Stephen Clark

An attempt to place three small satellites in orbit on an experimental test flight was halted Friday after two ships strayed into a keep-out zone offshore Rocket Lab’s privately-owned launch base in New Zealand, delaying the Electron booster’s second demonstration mission at least 24 hours.

Live coverage: Rocket Lab’s commercial launcher reaches orbit for the first time

January 19, 2018 Stephen Clark

Rocket Lab’s second Electron booster lifted off from New Zealand’s North Island on Saturday, U.S. time, and reached orbit after an eight-minute climb over the Pacific Ocean. Liftoff with three commercial CubeSats occurred at 8:43 p.m. EST Saturday (0143 GMT; 2:43 p.m. New Zealand time Sunday).