spacetoday.net: Rocket Lab shifts NASA Electron launches to New Zealand

Posted: Fri, Apr 14, 2023, 9:38 PM ET (0138 GMT)
Electron launch from Wallops, March 2023 (NASA)

Rocket Lab is moving two Electron launches of NASA cubesats from Virginia to New Zealand. The company said Monday that the launches of the TROPICS cubesats, originally planned to take place from its Launch Complex 2 on Wallops Island, Virginia, will instead take place from Launch Complex 1 in New Zealand. The launches are scheduled for April 30 and May 15. Rocket Lab did not disclose the reason for the shift other than to ensure that the satellites are launched in time to enter service this summer to monitor tropical storm development. A Northrop Grumman Antares launch is scheduled for early May from a pad adjacent to Rocket Lab's pad at Wallops.