No rocket, but disappointment in the air after third launch delay

Despite looking positive, another delay for Rocket Lab's first test launch from Mahia Peninsula saw spectators leave Hawke's Bay for home disappointed yesterday afternoon.

Rocket Lab's third attempt to launch its Electron rocket was called off just after 2pm yesterday for the same reason as Tuesday - with high altitude cloud creating a risk of triboelectrification.

The launch was expected between 1pm and 5pm.

For eager spectators gathered at the Blucks Pit, Nuhaka viewing site, the chances of a launch had looked promising - roads were closed, patrol boats sent out, and preparation measures undertaken at the site.

It was believed 30 people had been through the coastal site by midday, according to Wairoa District Council surveyors, with numbers growing steadily as the time got closer to 2pm.

The crowd was a mix of space enthusiasts - who had travelled to see the launch - local residents, and those who had just driven past the signage and stopped for a look.

As they waited for blast-off, people sat back in their deckchairs, sharing around binoculars, and pointing out any changes they thought they could spot on the peninsula.

Among them was 8-year-old Fletcher Sloan, who had the opportunity yesterday to be the youngest witness to New Zealand's first rocket launch.

Fletcher and his father Mylam Sloan were first at the viewing site - on Monday they had travelled from Auckland to witness the launch.

The two were so eager to see the event they missed school, work, and had even delayed an appointment for Fletcher to have his cast taken off.

"We were both looking forward to seeing the first one," Mr Sloan said.

"We thought it was worth it, being there to see the day New Zealand entered the space race."

Yesterday the pair decided to return home. While they were disappointed, Mr Sloan said they understood this was part of the testing phase.

Yesterday was also the last chance for Tauranga residents Peter Holmes and Lyn Kersel to see the launch.

They had travelled to Mahia in the early hours of Tuesday morning for that day's launch, and when it was scrubbed decided to wait for yesterday's.

Mr Holmes had been a space enthusiast for all his life, and despite travelling to Cape Canaveral once this would be the first rocket launch he had seen.

For him to also witness the first launch from New Zealand was pretty special, he said.

"This is completely huge."

For other spectators the chance to witness the launch was an unexpected surprise.

Despite only stopping at the site after seeing roadside signs, Hamilton resident Johnny Zheng ended up staying until the launch had been called off.

The rocket is visible from the site, but through binoculars spectators could see Electron clearly standing upright in its dock.

"When you see it through the binoculars it becomes real," Zheng said.

"It's something quite unusual for New Zealand."

Yesterday's launch was called off just after 2pm. The previous two attempts had also been scrubbed because of unfavourable weather conditions.

During the test phase it was common for planned launches to be postponed to ensure ideal conditions.

Rocket Lab CEO and founder Peter Beck said they had been targeting a 2pm launch, but a front quickly moved up the country and closed the window.

"Our team had been able to fuel the vehicle and prepare it for flight, but worsening weather conditions meant we were forced to delay," he said.

"The team did a great job today, and our operations are running smoothly.

"We'd like to thank local residents, supporters and emergency services for their patience."

The company said they wanted to wait for this so testing the rocket was the priority, rather than its ability to deal with adverse weather conditions.

The attempt will now be made today. The launch window lasts for another week.