spacetoday.net: Rocket Lab's Electron rocket reaches space on first launch

Rocket Lab's Electron rocket reaches space on first launch

Posted: Sat, May 27, 2017, 9:56 AM ET (1356 GMT)
Electron first launch May 2017 (Rocket Lab)

Rocket Lab's Electron rocket reached space, but not orbit, on its first launch May 25. The rocket lifted off from the company's New Zealand launch site at 12:20 am EDT (0420 GMT) after several days of weather-related delays. The company said that the rocket made it into space, but "didn't quite reach orbit." Rocket Lab said it was still reviewing data about the launch, but was pleased with the outcome. Electron is a small launch vehicle capable of placing up to 150 kilograms into low Earth orbit. This launch was the first of three test launches planned by Rocket Lab before beginning commercial flights, with the next launch expected in a couple months.