Rocket Lab’s Mahia Launch Complex 1 site will remain the company’s highest volume launch site - complemented by the development of a US launch site.

The space innovation company is licensed to launch up to 120 times per year from Mahia.

Rocket Lab is targeting 16 launches from Launch Complex 1 in 2019, eventually scaling to weekly launches from the site by the end of 2020.

Wairoa Mayor Craig Little said right from his first meeting with Rocket Lab founder Peter Beck the company have shown their genuine commitment to Wairoa and that is still very evident.

“They are not fly-by-nighters, and I am thrilled Rocket Lab remains committed to Mahia and has vowed to continue to grow its team numbers and launches from the Mahia area.

“There is a lot of excitement around what Rocket Lab is doing and the fact it all happens right on our doorstep is fantastic.

“Our relationship with Rocket Lab is great. This Council has helped enable Rocket Lab to make the progress it has, and in turn, their innovative and ground-breaking work is boosting our district.

“We have already seen positive economic development spin-offs, increased tourism and a general Rocket Lab buzz that I am sure will only grow.”

Rocket Lab’s mission is to create rapid and repeatable access to obit at a frequency no other commercial launch provider in history has ever achieved.

Company spokesperson Morgan Bailey said to do this they need to offer their customers unprecedented freedom when it comes to selecting when and where they launch.

“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.

“Launching from US soil adds an extra layer of flexibility for our government and commercial customers, increasing launch frequency and offering an unmatched ability to rapidly deploy space-based assets with confidence and precision.

“Launch Complex 1 on the Mahia Peninsula  is, and will remain Rocket Lab's highest volume launch site.”

Launch Complex 2 will be Rocket Lab's boutique launch site for customers who want to launch from the US. Rocket Lab expects to launch from Launch Complex 2 on Wallops Island, Virginia, around 12 times per year.

Meanwhile, Rocket Lab’s It’s Business Time mission will launch next month with the ELaNa XIX mission for NASA to follow soon after in December.

Both missions will launch from Rocket Lab’s Mahia based private orbital launch pad.

29 October 2018

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