SPACE COAST NEW ZEALAND TM
Space Coast New Zealand is the part of Wairoa District coastline from which space launches can be viewed.
DID YOU SAY ROCKETS? Rocket Lab’ s mission is to make space more accessible by providing frequent and affordable launches to the lower earth orbit. The main businesses of Rocket Labs customers are better weather prediction, real time maps, globally increased high speed internet and analysis of the human impact on the environment.
New Zealander CEO Peter Beck who founded Rocket Lab in 2006, chose the tip of the Māhia peninsula for the perfect spot to launch rockets from.
WHY THE MaHIA PENINSULA? Launch Complex 1, opened in October 2016, is the first orbital launch site in New Zealand and the first privately operated orbital launch site globally. The remote geographic location offers a low volume of air and marine traffic and a large range of inclinations to provide services across the world. Here you can launch a rocket 95 % of the year.
Rocket Lab aims to launch a rocket every week!
WHAT WILL I SEE? The take-off of a rocket will take place during a 4 hour launch window. The weather conditions have to be right for a rocket launch, in bad conditions the launch may be rescheduled for another day.
WHEN CAN I SEE IT? At the moment no exact dates have been confirmed for the first launch of the Electron Rocket. So far two phases have been identified:
1. TEST PHASE Three test flights will occur. There will be a public notice, but due to the nature of testing planned take-offs could be postponed or re-scheduled.
2. COMMERCIAL PHASE After testing and approval launches will occur at set take-off times.
WHERE CAN I VIEW A LAUNCH FROM? Rocket Lab recommends viewing a launch in the commercial phase to minimize your waiting time for the launch. Currently, viewing platforms are being established for your comfort. A safety zone, defined by Rocket Lab, will be closed for the public.
90 SEC AFTER LAUNCH Rocket altitude of 15,240 metres
( 15,000 feet). Binoculars necessary to folow
8 MINS AFTER LAUNCH Satellite reached orbit- mission accomplished!
5 MINS AFTER LAUNCH First stage completed
AT LAUNCH large steam cloud will be visible
4 hour LAUNCH WINDOW for take-off