Main Engine Cut Off

Rocket Lab, a US-domiciled company founded by New Zealander Peter Beck, intends to start its launch operations from the Mahia Peninsula later this year. These operations will include the first commercial space launches from New Zealand.

The contract with Rocket Lab is an important milestone in the development of a New Zealand-based space industry.

It is an interim measure to allow Rocket Lab to commence launching rockets before the Bill establishing a regulatory regime comes into force.