We’ll have lift-off from two pads at Mahia

DOUBLing launch capacity: Rocket Lab's second launch pad at Onenui Station nears completion. Picture by Rocket Lab

THE near-completion of a second launch pad at Rocket Lab's Mahia base marks a busy 2021 for the space company.

“We'll be working towards launching monthly from Launch Complex 1, where we'll have two operational pads from mid-year,” said Rocket Lab head of communications Morgan Bailey

“All Electron launches have so far taken place from Pad A but next year we'll also start launching from our new pad — Pad B.

“By operating two pads we can reduce the turnaround time between missions.

“We'll also begin launching from Launch Complex 2, our launch site in Virginia, USA.”

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On top of that, 2021 will also see Rocket Lab launch the CAPSTONE mission to the Moon for Nasa on an Electron launch vehicle and Photon spacecraft platform.

That mission is scheduled to take place from the company's US launch site.

“In 2020 Rocket Lab acquired satellite components manufacturer Sinclair Interplanetary and in 2021 we'll continue to grow this division of the business to supply spacecraft components for small sats around the world.”

With three launch pads across two countries, Rocket Lab will be able to launch more than 130 times a year.