New Zealand Rocket Launch Delayed

The launch of New Zealand’s first suborbital rocket has been delayed this morning due to a technical problem.

The Atea-1, due to be launched from Great Mercury Island is to be propelled by a revolutionary type of fuel and jet/rocket motor. The rocket along with its 2kg payload of experimental computer equipment is expected to reach a height of 120km above the earth’s surface, officially 20km into the realm of space.

The launch has been delayed by nitrous oxide causing a coupling to freeze – spilling the vapour and all but putting to and end hopes of a launch today.

Development of the rocket by privately owned aerospace company Rocket Lab, has taken over three years and mainly been funded by private investment, with an injection of funding from the New Zealand government. If successful, the launch will mark the first time a privately owned company has launched a rocket into space from the southern hemisphere.

New Zealand is well known for its clean-green image and the creators of the rocket are keen to promote the idea of using “green” technologies in their work. The Atea-1 has been designed to operate extremely efficiently with a brand new motor and fuel combination that drastically reduces emissions and environmental impacts.

The cutting edge technology will set a new benchmark in rocket propulsion and put New Zealand at the forefront of space development. It is envisaged that once the technology has been proven by the initial launch then it will be emulated in larger rockets. For many, the reduction of environmental impact is seen as a huge boost to the entire space programme which has long been seen as wasteful and a big polluter.