Rocket Lab successfully launches rocket into space from New Zealand

After several weather delays, Rocket Lab successfully launched its Electron rocket from its Mahia peninsula site on New Zealand's South Island, as part of a series of tests on Thursday afternoon.

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The 17 metre (56 feet) long Electron finally took off at 4:20 p.m. local time, marking the first orbital-class rocket launched from a private launch site in the world.

"It has been an incredible day and I’m immensely proud of our talented team," Peter Beck, CEO and founder of California-based Rocket Lab, said in a statement.

#ItsaTest http://pic.twitter.com/JI4M6iTqiC

— Rocket Lab (@RocketLabUSA) May 25, 2017 Read more...

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