New Zealand test rocket makes it to space but not to orbit

Wellington: California-based company Rocket Lab said Thursday it had launched a test rocket into space from its New Zealand launch pad, although the rocket didn't reach orbit as hoped, reports AP.
The company said its Electron rocket lifted off at 4:20 p.m. Thursday and reached space three minutes later.
"It has been an incredible day and I'm immensely proud of our talented team," company founder Peter Beck said in a statement.
Beck, a New Zealander, said the early stages of the mission went well.
"We didn't quite reach orbit and we'll be investigating why, however reaching space in our first test puts us in an incredibly strong position," he said.
Rocket Lab was given official approval last week to conduct three test launches from the remote Mahia Peninsula on the North Island. The company hopes to begin commercial launches later this year and eventually launch about one rocket every week.
The company said it will target getting to orbit on the second test and will look to carry the maximum payload.

 

New Zealand test rocket makes it to space but not to orbit

Wellington: California-based company Rocket Lab said Thursday it had launched a test rocket into space from its New Zealand launch pad, although the rocket didnt reach orbit as hoped, reports AP. The company said its Electron rocket lifted off at 4:20 p.m. Thursday and reached space three minutes later. It has been an incredible day and Im immensely proud of our talented team, company founder Peter Beck said in a statement. Beck, a New Zealander, said the early stages of the mission went well. We didnt quite reach orbit and well be investigating why, however reaching space in our first test puts us in an incredibly strong position, he said. Rocket Lab was given official approval last week to conduct three test launches from the remote Mahia Peninsula on the North Island. The company hopes to begin commercial launches later this year and eventually launch about one rocket every week. The company said it will target getting to orbit on the second test and will look to carry the maximum payload.