Jan 21, 2018  -  Rocket Lab has successfully launched its second flight as well as launching three mini-satellites into a low Earth orbit.

The 17-metre Electron booster launched on a test flight from the Mahia Peninsula was carrying three mini-satellites that have gone into orbit on behalf of paying customers.

Yesterday the company tried six times to launch its rocket, with one attempt stopping 60 seconds before take off due to a boat entering the exclusion zone downrange from the launch pad.

The launch was later scrubbed as high winds passed over the Mahia Peninsula.

Rocket Lab chief executive Peter Beck has said that although it was a test flight it was also carrying three satellites for paying customers.

The satellites are an Earth-imaging satellite for Planet, and two Lemur-2 satellites for Spire, for weather and ship tracking.

Continue to read full article with video on NewsTalkZB    ||  January 21, 2018   |||