Rocket Lab's first launch date announced

Rocket Lab's world-first attempt to send a vehicle into orbit from a private launch facility is only one week away.

The American-New Zealand aerospace company will open a 10-day launch attempt window for their Electron rocket from next Monday from Launch Complex One on the Mahia Peninsula.

The first Electron rocket was delivered to the site in February and there were three planned test launches before commercial satellite launches would be offered later this year.

This first test launch, titled "It's a Test", is the culmination of four years of planning, innovation and discovery.

Rocket Lab founder and chief executive Peter Beck said the test launch attempt would collect valuable data to inform future test and commercial launches.

"We are all incredibly excited to get to this point. Our talented team has been preparing for years for this opportunity and we want to do our best to get it right.

"Our number one priority is to gather enough data and experience to prepare for a commercial phase. Only then can we start delivering on our mission to make space more accessible."

Rocket Lab's mission is to remove the barriers to commercial space travel by providing frequent launch opportunities to low Earth orbit.

The timing of the launch was chosen to minimise the effects on local fishing operations, which share the waters around the Mahia Peninsula site.

Mr Beck said that during this first launch attempt it was possible they could "scrub" multiple attempts until they were ready and conditions were favourable.

History has shown it is common for launches to be scrubbed as small, technical modifications are often required during test phase.

Wild weather such as wind, rain, lightening or extensive cloud cover could also cause scrubs and postponements.

Wairoa mayor Craig Little said he was pleased it was all coming together and congratulated Rocket Lab for its safety in having a trial.

"It will be good as we will be able to know what a rocket looks like and whether tourists will want to see it or not."

Mr Little said it would only lead to more exciting things for the Wairoa District if all went to plan.

"They say in a district you need a point of interest and instead of having what everyone else has with beaches and lakes Rocket Lab will be something unique like Hobbiton."

Rocket Lab is a private company, with major investors including Khosla Ventures, Bessemer Venture Partners, Data Collective, Promus Ventures, Lockheed Martin and K1W1.

The Government has also got right behind the rocket site, funding about $50,000 for infrastructure.

As part of the launch attempt, Mahia East Coast Rd will be closed to the general public on May 22 from 9am to 8pm.

Subsequent road closures will be notified after a decision to scrub a launch attempt.

Safety is of utmost concern to Rocket Lab and the public are asked to follow the instructions of emergency services and remain in safe areas during the test launch.