Wednesday, April 4, 2018

Rocket Lab Plans First Commercial Launch

Huntington Beach-based commercial rocket developer Rocket Lab is planning its very first, commercial launch for later this month, the company said late Tuesday evening, saying it will launch two nano-satellites into space on Friday, April 20th. According to Rocket Lab, the payloads on the "It's Business Time" mission will include nano satellites for Spire Global and GeoOptics Inc., built by Tyvak Nano-Satellite Systems. Rocket Lab said it will have a 14 day launch window for the nanosatellites, which will be launched from its launch complex in New Zealand. Unlike SpaceX, Rocket Lab is focused solely on the very small nanosatellite market, which does not require a large lifting capability; Rocket Lab said it is focusing on the ability to deliver payloads to orbit every 72 hours. The company said it is ramping its production facility in Huntington Beach to support its commercial ambitions. Image: Rocket Lab's test launch in January.