Nasa deal powers up Rocket Lab's launch options

Peter Beck, Rocket Lab founder, with the 16m long carbon composite Electron launch vehicle. Photo / Richard Robinson

Rocket Lab says a deal it has signed with Nasa will give it scope to launch in a wider variety of locations.

The agreement enables Rocket Lab to use Nasa resources — including personnel, facilities and equipment — for launch and re-entry efforts.

Rocket Lab is considering using Nasa's launch complexes to complement its primary launch range which it plans to build at Birdlings Flat near Christchurch.

The company is expanding its Auckland base and says it is on track for its first test launch at the end of the year after it gets resource consent.

The company has around 30 potential customers.

Electron is 16m long, with a 1.2m diameter and has a lift-off mass of 10.5 tonnes. Photo / Richard Robinson

Rocket Lab chief executive Peter Beck said use of a Nasa range will give Rocket Lab the ability to launch Electron to lower orbital inclinations than the company's New Zealand range, which offers inclinations from sun-synchronous through to 45 degrees.

"While launches from New Zealand can reach inclinations that are generally ideal for small satellites, the addition of a United States launch site will allow customers to have the choice of a wider spectrum of orbital inclinations," Beck said.

"This agreement with Nasa is another step in building out our launch ranges globally."

Rocket Lab's Rutherford engine is predominantly made with 3D printed components. Photo / Richard Robinson

Electron is an entirely carbon-composite vehicle that uses Rocket Lab's Rutherford engines for its main propulsion system. Rocket Lab recently announced the Rutherford engine makes use of electric turbo-pumps and that the majority of its components are

3D printed

.

Electron is 16m long, with a 1.2m diameter and has a lift-off mass of 10.5 tonnes. It is capable of delivering payloads of up to 150kg to a 500km sun-synchronous orbit, which is the target range for the high-growth constellation-satellite market.

Rocket Lab is a privately-funded company with its major investors including Khosla Ventures, K1W1, Bessemer Venture Partners and Lockheed Martin.