Read more: Rocket Lab - big growth plans to go with big new Auckland factory
Beck told the Herald that although his company is expanding into US launches, and currently scouting for a third launch site in the UK, New Zealand will always be its highest-frequency launch site - due to our relatively empty skies and shipping lanes, and liberal aerospace regulation.
Rocket Lab's aim is to launch up to 120 times annually by 2020.
Four spaceports were shortlisted to become Rocket Lab Launch Complex 2, including Cape Canaveral, the Pacific Spaceport Complex in Alaska and Vandenberg Air Force Base. Wallops Flight Facility made the final cut thanks to high flight frequency available from the site, as well as rapid construction timelines that will see Rocket Lab target the first Electron launch from US soil Q3 2019, Beck said.
Rocket Lab continues to assess additional launch sites in the US and internationally to provide additional launch flexibility for small satellite customers, Beck said. A site in Asia is possible.
The company also maintains agreements with Cape Canaveral in Florida and Pacific Spaceport Complex Alaska to conduct launches from existing pads as required.
Following a successful test flight in January, Beck said Rocket Lab is on track for its first commercial launch of one of its Electron rockets in November, which will be followed by a second two weeks later. Delays since June have been caused by minor technical issues, Beck said.