Rocket Lab's Electron Launch Delayed as Bad Weather Looms

[Buster's Uncle]

Rocket Lab's Electron Launch Delayed as Bad Weather Looms
Space.com
By Calla Cofield, Space.com Senior Writer |  December 7, 2017 05:30pm ET



An Electron rocket by Rocket Lab stands ready for launch at the company's launch facility in New Zealand.  Credit: Rocket Lab

 

Update 12/8: Rocket Lab representatives said today on Twitter that they plan to execute the test launch no earlier than 2:30 p.m. New Zealand Time on Monday, Dec. 11, which is 8:30 p.m. EST on Sunday, Dec. 10.

Due to bad weather, the commercial startup Rocket Lab has delayed the second test launchof its Electron rocket.

The launch was scheduled to take place today (Dec. 7) from the company's private launch complex in New Zealand. The 4-hour launch window extended from 8:30 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. EST (0130 to 0530 GMT on Dec. , which is 2:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. New Zealand Time on Dec. 8.

With a 10-day launch window, Rocket Lab representatives said the company will attempt another launch during the same 4-hour window tomorrow. However, representative said bad weather forecasts extend through the weekend, so the launch could be delayed until at least Monday.

The company will provide a live stream of the launch on the startup's website, starting about 15 minutes before the rocket's anticipated launch.

While the company has not officially begun commercial operations, the rocket is carrying three small satellites for customers. 


https://www.space.com/39016-rocket-lab-electron-test-launch-delayed.html