Mahia launch complex in upgrade mode

Chuck Dowdell

As Rocket Lab starts to build a new launch pad in the United States, its Mahia launch complex is already in the midst of an upgrade.

Rocket Lab’s Launch Complex 1 at Onenui Station is still the world’s only private rocket launch pad and three years after conducting its first rocket test, it is undergoing upgrades.

Complex 1 manager Chuck Dowdell said those upgrades would involve the range control facility, including replacing the range control building that houses operators on launch day.

“Range control is the area several kilometres away from the launch site itself, where a team of around 25 operators work on launch day to ensure all systems are working well on the rocket and at the pad,” he said.

The upgrades are all taking place within the existing leased area and are primarily being carried out to update two smaller temporary structures that were placed on site three years ago with a single, integrated facility.

“Recent updates at the launch site include the installation of two clean rooms for payload integration, which is the process where payloads are attached to the Electron rocket in preparation for launch. These clean rooms have been in operation since November 2018.”

Mr Dowdell said the Mahia-based team continued to grow as rocket launch cadences increased.

Thirty people are employed for Launch Complex 1 operations across a mix of full-time, part-time and casual roles.

“There are three remaining roles left to fill for the current Launch Complex 1, including electrical and mechanical launch technicians who work with launch electrical and mechanical systems.”

Mr Dowdell said while Rocket Lab designed and manufactured its rockets elsewhere in New Zealand, these roles were part of the team at the actual Electron launch site, working alongside a “dedicated, hard-working, tight-knit crew”.

As well as the site upgrades and recruitment, Mr Dowdell noted that applications are scheduled to open soon for the annual Rocket Lab Scholarship.

The scholarship encourages students with a strong connection to Mahia and the wider Wairoa District to pursue university studies in science, technology, and engineering disciplines.

The successful scholarship recipient will receive up to $5000 per year for tertiary fees for up to four years.

Rocket Lab is also in the process of building Launch Complex 2 at Wallops Flight Facility in Virginia.

The company previously stated most launches would still take place at Mahia.