New Zealand space race: launches with 3D-printed rocket

New Zealand kick-started into space race with 3D-printed rocket. The successful launch of low cost rocket is seen worldwide as bringing down barriers to space while also making New Zealand a hub. Rocket Lab, a Silicon Valley-funded space launch company, on Thursday launched the maiden flight of its battery-powered, 3-D printed rocket from New Zealand’s remote Mahia Peninsula. "Made it to space. Team delighted,” Rocket Lab said on its official Twitter account. The Los Angeles and New Zealand-based rocket firm has touted its service as a way for companies to get satellites into orbit regularly.
Peter Beck, Rocket Lab founder and chief executive in a statement released said, our focus with the Electron has been to develop a reliable launch vehicle that can be manufactured in high volumes. Our ultimate goal is to make space accessible by providing an unprecedented frequency of launch opportunities.

The firm had spent the past four years preparing for the test launch and last week received the go-ahead from the US Federal Aviation Administration, which is monitoring the flight; however, bad weather delayed the rocket from taking off three times this week. 

The firm will carry out two more tests before it starts commercial operations, slated to begin towards the end of this year. New Zealand has created new rocket legislation and set up a space agency in anticipation of becoming a low-cost space hub.