Rocket Lab test launch postponed a second time
Tuesday, 23 May 2017
First it was the wind, now clouds have delayed Rocket Lab's world-first test launch.
The company, in March valued at more than US$1 billion (NZ$1.44 billion), was due to launch its first test-launch of its Electron rocket on Monday.
But this was delayed until Tuesday after high winds prevented the satellite launch company from rolling out the rocket to its launch pad on Mahia Peninsula in Hawke's Bay.
On Tuesday, however, Rocket Lab again had to postpone the launch by another day.
**READ MORE:
* Heavy winds delay world-first rocket launch at Rocket Lab's NZ launch pad
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* Rocket Lab's first rocket arrives at Mahia Peninsula launch site
* Rocket Lab looks to full testing after ticking final technical box
* And, we are (almost) go for Kiwi Rocket launch in northern Hawke's Bay**
Rocket Lab chief executive Peter Beck said the rocket was now at the launch pad, but the company was waiting for high altitude cloud to clear.
It was following set guidelines around weather and launch safety, Beck said, and the current conditions put it at risk of triboelectrification.
'This is the buildup of static charge through friction.
'Ice and other particles in high cloud strike the rocket transferring electrons, the atomic kind, and build up charge on the surface of the vehicle.
'This can lead to large voltage potential and encourage electric discharges or lightning which may affect the avionics onboard.'
Rocket Lab's test launch is a world-first attempt to send a rocket into orbit from a private launch pad.
The company has a 10-day launch window, which allows the test to be conducted between May 22 and June 2.
It planned to do three test launches ahead of its first commercial launch, and said it was common for launches to be postponed to wait for ideal conditions.
Electron, developed by the American-New Zealand aerospace company, was entirely made of carbon-composite that uses a 3D printed engine for its main propulsion system.
It has been designed to carry payloads, such as small satellites, to a low orbit.
The rocket will allow constellations of small satellites to provide services like cheaper internet from space and environmental monitoring, natural disaster prediction and search and rescue services.
Last week, Rocket Lab said it had secured a new customer called Spaceflight, a launch services and mission management provider.
The US company had purchased an Electron rocket to increase the frequency of its rideshare missions, where several small satellites can share the same launch to a specific destination.