Rocket Lab Launch Site Nears Completion Ahead of Test Launches

Rocket Lab has installed the launch platform at the private orbital launch under development on New Zealands Mahia Peninsula.

The installation of the almost 50 ton platform is the final major step in preparing the site for the arrival of the first Electron launch vehicle, scheduled to be tested in the coming months.

The platform will be used to erect the launch vehicle from a horizontal to a vertical position and provides all of the services to fuel and launch. The strongback, which sits atop the platform, supports the launch vehicle and is retracted just prior to launch.

The launch site is the first private orbital launch site in the world, and is set to enable the highest frequency of space launches in history.