California–based Rocket Lab hailed the launch of its 3-D printed rocket from a base in New Zealand as a success even though it didn’t make orbit.
After weather had delayed three attempts to take off this week, the 17m-long Electron rocket blasted off from the Mahia Peninsula, a remote region of New Zealand’s North Island on Thursday.
Access to space cheaper..
Rocket Lab is aiming to make commercial access to space much cheaper, said its founder and boss Peter Beck.
"Our focus with the Electron has been to develop a reliable launch vehicle that can be manufactured in high volumes – our ultimate goal is to make space accessible by providing an unprecedented frequency of launch opportunities."
After four years of preparation the US Federal Aviation Administration gave the go-ahead for the launch last week.
New Zealand’s remoteness makes it easier to get rockets into space without having to shift other objects orbiting the globe.
Customers include NASA and the aim is to carry out two more tests before it starts commercial operations that could see as many as one rocket launched per week.