Mahia Peninsula – Page 9 – Spaceflight Now

Electron countdown aborted at engine start, next launch attempt Wednesday

December 12, 2017 Stephen Clark

Rocket Lab counted down to the second test flight of its commercial Electron satellite launcher Monday, U.S. time, but a dramatic computer-commanded abort triggered moments after its engines ignited kept the light-class booster on its New Zealand launch pad for at least two more days.

Live coverage: Rocket Lab’s second Electron launch delayed to early 2018

December 10, 2017 Stephen Clark

Rocket Lab announced Saturday it will hold off launching an Electron rocket on an orbital test flight until early 2018 as officials face the end of a 10-day pre-approved launch window, after a series of scrubs to ensure the booster is ready for liftoff and wait for ideal weather conditions.

Launch timeline for the Electron rocket’s second test flight

December 10, 2017 Stephen Clark

Rocket Lab’s light-class Electron launcher is set to take off on its second orbital test flight from New Zealand, aiming to deliver three small shoebox-sized CubeSats into low Earth orbit for Planet and Spire.

Rocket Lab pushes back second Electron launch to Sunday

December 7, 2017 Stephen Clark

Rocket Lab plans to roll out the company’s second light-class Electron rocket to its launch pad in New Zealand on Thursday for final countdown preparations, but officials have delayed liftoff to no earlier than Sunday night, U.S. time.

Rocket Lab to launch second orbital-class rocket as soon as next week

December 1, 2017 Stephen Clark

Rocket Lab has scheduled the launch of its second Electron rocket from New Zealand as soon as Dec. 7, U.S. time, on a test flight that will aim to deploy three small CubeSats in orbit.

Second Electron rocket shipped to New Zealand launch site

November 16, 2017 Stephen Clark

Rocket Lab’s second flight-ready Electron rocket has arrived at its launch base in New Zealand for the company’s first mission to deliver commercial satellites into orbit.

Rocket Lab finishes test flight inquiry, plans second launch later this year

August 13, 2017 Stephen Clark

The inaugural test flight of Rocket Lab’s commercial small satellite booster in May fell short of orbit because a software programming error on a piece of ground equipment led a safety officer to send a premature termination command, and the company is planning to deliver the next Electron vehicle to its New Zealand launch pad in October.

Q&A with Peter Beck, founder and CEO of Rocket Lab

August 11, 2017 Stephen Clark

Peter Beck, the founder and chief executive of Rocket Lab, recently discussed the outcome of the company’s first attempted orbital test flight and plans for future missions.

Rocket Lab chief says maiden launch result maintains pace for commercial service

May 30, 2017 Stephen Clark

The result of last week’s inaugural test flight of Rocket Lab’s Electron satellite launcher from New Zealand, which reached space but was unable to enter orbit, positions the company for two more demonstration missions in the coming months before the privately-operated booster enters commercial service by the end of the year, Rocket Lab’s chief executive said.

Videos: Rocket Lab’s Electron rocket lifts off for first time

May 25, 2017 Stephen Clark

Rocket Lab’s Electron commercial satellite launcher lifted off from New Zealand on its debut test flight Thursday and soared into space on its maiden mission.