After several weather delays, Rocket Lab successfully launched its Electron rocket from its Mahia peninsula site on New Zealand's North Island Thursday afternoon, as part of a series of tests.
SEE ALSO:Rocket Lab plans to launch its rockets off a cliffThe 17 metre (56 feet) long Electron finally took off at 4:20 p.m. local time, marking the first orbital-class rocket launched from a private launch site in the world.
"It has been an incredible day and I’m immensely proud of our talented team," Peter Beck, CEO and founder of California-based Rocket Lab, said in a statement.
Tweet may have been deleted
The Electron, however, didn't quite make it to orbit and Rocket Lab will look into why.
"It was a great flight. We had a great first stage burn, stage separation, second stage ignition and fairing separation. We didn't quite reach orbit and we’ll be investigating why, however reaching space in our first test puts us in an incredibly strong position to accelerate the commercial phase of our programme, deliver our customers to orbit and make space open for business," Beck added.
The California-based company is one of the latest entrants into private spaceflight, where it's looking to reduce the cost of launching small satellites for companies around the world.
Tweet may have been deleted
Thursday's launch marks the first of three test flights this year, and the company expects to launch more than 50 flights a year.
For those with the means, you can book your own dedicated flight on the company's website, or book a "rideshare" for your CubeSat from US$77,000. One can dream.
(责任编辑：百科)
Twitter grants everyone access to quality filter for tweet notificationsTeens who drifted out to sea on inflatable toys rescued by fishermenSuper dangerous Brazilian motorcycle chase is something out of an action filmSasha Obama slays as she raps along with Chance the RapperSamsung Galaxy Note7 teardown reveals the magic behind the phone's iris scannerFelix the cat just raised £5000 for charity because she's the hero we all need
LONDON -- Remember Felix, the Huddersfield train station cat who got promoted to Senior Pest Control
...[详细]Here are the top 11 songs of 2016
When the world seemed like it was melting (not literally, but that too), we had music. 2016 was an e
...[详细]'SNL' alum Taran Killam joins 'Hamilton'
It's good to be the king. Just ask Taran Killam. The former SNLstar will be making his Broadway debu
...[详细]Chloë Grace Moretz is amazed by this Chloë Grace Moretz lookalike
Celebrities, take note: you know you've 。 really 。 got a doppelgänger when people start calling h
...[详细]This coloring book is here for all your relationship goals
LONDON -- We are living through the golden age of celebrity relationships. Gone are the days of tort
...[详细]Starbucks just liquified the grossest holiday food
Some traditions just won't die. 。The fruitcake has long been the annoying friend of the Christmas wor
...[详细]Environmental activists are being killed. This online platform helps you take action.
Environmental activism may be crucial for the future of our planet, but it's also an especially dead
...[详细]These new photos show just how massive Apple's 'spaceship' campus will be
We've seen plenty of birds-eye views of the humongous new Apple Campus 2 as it nears completion near
...[详细]Watch MTV's Video Music Awards 2016 livestream
It's MTV Video Music Awards night. Are you ready?Kanye's going to be there, and he's going to say th
...[详细]The first photo from a new Earth
A brand new satellite orbiting hundreds of miles above Earth's surface has just opened its eyes. 。Dig
...[详细]Nancy Pelosi warns colleagues after info hacked
Super dangerous Brazilian motorcycle chase is something out of an action film