NZ rocket launches into space

Peter Beck (left) and Mark Rocket [Doug Sherring / NZH]

New Zealand's first space rocket has launched this afternoon.

The Atea-1 took off from its launch site at Great Mercury Island just before 3pm, after technical problems delayed this morning's planned launch.

The launch company, Rocket Lab Ltd, started up three years ago with the aim to develop a series of Atea rockets that would make space more accessible, company director Mark Rocket said last week.

"This is the first step in a long journey," he said.

The 6-metre-long craft should reach speeds of up to Mach 5, flying 120km into the air, before splashing down in the sea, where it will be picked up.

It is the first time in the southern hemisphere a privately owned company has launched a rocket to space.

Read the story HERE.

Commercial Spaceflight Federation creates science advisory panel for sub-orbital flight

John Gedmark

Washington, D.C. – The Commercial Spaceflight Federation is pleased to announce the creation of the Suborbital Applications Researchers Group (SARG), composed of experienced scientists, researchers, and educators dedicated to furthering the research and education potential of suborbital reusable launch vehicles under development by the commercial spaceflight sector.

The panel is chaired by Dr. S. Alan Stern of the Southwest Research Institute, a space scientist who previously served as head of the Science Mission Directorate at NASA Headquarters.

The members of the Suborbital Applications Researchers Group (SARG) are aiming to increase awareness of commercial suborbital vehicles in the science and R&D communities, to work with policymakers to ensure that payloads can have easy access to these vehicles, and to further develop ideas for the uses of these vehicles for science, engineering, and education missions.

Read the full text of the announcement HERE.

UP test flight at Spaceport America

New Mexico Business Weekly

UP Aerospace Inc. successfully launched an unmanned aerial vehicle prototype from Spaceport America on Aug. 4.

Colorado-based UP has been testing a new space vehicle for Lockheed Martin at the Spaceport since last year.

The latest launch, however, was conducted for Florida-based Fundamental Technology Systems Inc. (Moog-FTS), which UP recently signed as a new client.

“Moog-FTS is an important player in space research and manufacturing technology,” said UP President Jerry Larson in a news release. “We are excited to be in a position to provide low-cost, fast-turnaround launch operations for their R&D projects.”

Spaceport Executive Director Steve Landeene said such commercial launches are helping to attract interest from more aerospace companies who want to conduct activities at the Spaceport, located in southern New Mexico near Upham (south of TorC).

“Major players in the space industry like Moog-FTS and other aerospace companies are increasingly becoming aware of the opportunities available at Spaceport America,” Landeene said. “I’m proud that we can continue to set the standard for safe, low-cost commercial spaceflight.”