Rocket Lab's Hawke's Bay launch site to expand launch options

Part of the Rocket Lab launch complex at Mahia. Photo / File

Rocket Lab's launch site at Mahia now has the widest range of launch angles in the world, after a change to New Zealand's space regulations.

The United States-based orbital launch provider is due to launch its first all-commercial satellite from the East Coast's Onenui Station, and company founder and chief executive New Zealander Peter Beck said changes to environmental regulations that manage New Zealand's exclusive economic zone (EEZ) and continental shelf would further the launch facility's capabilities.

"Under the new regulations, which commenced last month, Rocket Labwill be able to reach the widest range of launch azimuths of any launch site in the world," said Beck.

Azimuths refer to launch angles.

Space vehicle launches are expected to result in the deposit of material on the seabed in the exclusive economic zone (EEZ) and extended continental shelf.

The Ministry for the Environment said the area that material could fall had now been extended to the north, east, and south off the coast of New Zealand in the EEZ and extended continental shelf, increasing the launch options.

Rocket Lab, the only licensed commercial operator in New Zealand, is now preparing to launch a rocket off the Mahia Peninsula in the East Coast using the new areas set out in the regulations.

Rocket Lab is the only small launch provider to have reached orbit and was due to launch its first all-commercial rocket and payload last month, before having to cancel because of ether conditions. A new launch window for another attempt is expected shortly.

The companyintends to produce 100 3D-printed Rutherford engines this year to support monthly launches from Mahia by the end of the year.