Rocket Lab Preparing for its First Launch as Electron Arrives at Launch Complex 1

The first Electron rocket, “It’s a Test”, has arrived at Rocket Lab’s Launch Mahia Peninsula Launch Complex 1 on the North Island of New Zealand in preparation for it’s maiden test flight.
Rocket Lab will now begin pre-flight tests and checkouts of the Electron rocket which are expected to last several weeks.

“It’s an important milestone for our team and for the space industry. In the past, it’s been countries that go to space, not companies,” said Peter Beck, Rocket Lab’s CEO. “Through the innovative use of new technologies our team has created a launch vehicle designed for manufacture at scale. Our ultimate goal is to change our ability to access space.”

“Since we commenced this project three years ago, our team has accomplished an incredible amount – the vehicle has gone through rigorous qualification and acceptance testing, Rocket Lab Launch Complex 1 has been completed and major tracking infrastructure has been installed in remote locations.”

The test flight, expected in March, is the first of three planned test flights before Rocket Lab begins to launch commercial payloads. It is also the the first orbital launch attempt from New Zealand.