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