Rocket Lab launches six small satellites into space

American rocket start-up Rocket Lab has launched a group six small satellites into space from the company’s Launch Complex 1 in Māhia Peninsula, New Zealand.

The launch was conducted by Rocket Lab’s Electron rocket and represents the company’s second successful orbital launch mission, which is nicknamed ‘It’s Business Time’.

Following the arrival of Electron’s second stage into orbit, the rocket’s Curie kick stage successfully separated and circularised its orbit to deploy the satellites.

The satellites are owned by Spire Global, Tyvak Nano-Satellite Systems, Fleet Space Technologies and Irvine CubeSat Stem Program.

Also launched as part of the mission was High Performance Space Structure Systems’ NABEO drag sail technology demonstrator, which is designed to passively de-orbit inactive small satellites and reduce space debris.

Rocket Lab founder and CEO Peter Beck said: “The world is waking up to the new normal. With the Electron launch vehicle, rapid and reliable access to space is now a reality for small satellites.

“With two orbital launches down for 2018, we’re not resting on our laurels.

“We have a burgeoning customer manifest, so we’re moving onto the next mission within a few weeks – the incredibly exciting ELaNa 19 mission for Nasa in December.”

Next year, Rocket Lab is expected to conduct high-frequency launches due to a rapid mass production of Electron and access to a private complex that is licensed to launch up to 120 times a year.

In 2016, Rocket Lab completed the construction of Launch Complex 1, the world’s first private orbital launch complex.

Last month, the company inaugurated a new 7,500m² production facility in Auckland, New Zealand to manufacture the Electron rocket.