This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It last changed over 40 days ago and won't be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-39971843

The article has changed 8 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 3 Version 4
New Zealand space launch is first from a private site New Zealand space launch is first from a private site
(about 2 hours later)
An American company has launched a rocket into space from New Zealand, the first from a private launch facility.An American company has launched a rocket into space from New Zealand, the first from a private launch facility.
Rocket Lab's 17m (56ft) Electron rocket took off from the Mahia Peninsula, in North Island, the firm said on Twitter.Rocket Lab's 17m (56ft) Electron rocket took off from the Mahia Peninsula, in North Island, the firm said on Twitter.
The test flight was the first launch ever from New Zealand and is a major first step in an emerging market; launching cheap disposable rockets to carry small satellites and other cargo. The test flight was the first launch from New Zealand and is a major first step in an emerging market; launching cheap disposable rockets to carry small satellites and other cargo.
The company plans to start frequent commercial launches later this year.The company plans to start frequent commercial launches later this year.
Poor weather conditions had pushed the launch into the fourth day of a 10-day window and the Electron finally took off at 16:20 local time (04:20 GMT).Poor weather conditions had pushed the launch into the fourth day of a 10-day window and the Electron finally took off at 16:20 local time (04:20 GMT).
The launch was conducted with no media or spectators permitted but the company released a video on their Twitter page.The launch was conducted with no media or spectators permitted but the company released a video on their Twitter page.
"It was a great flight," chief executive Peter Beck said after the launch, adding though that the rocket did not quite reach orbit, the path on which its future cargo would embark on its rotation around earth.
"We'll be investigating why, however reaching space in our first test puts us in an incredibly strong position to accelerate the commercial phase of our program, deliver our customers to orbit and make space open for business."
The test launch, one of three planned, did not carry any actual cargo, but Rocket Lab says eventually the Electron rocket will carry 150kg (331lbs) into orbit.The test launch, one of three planned, did not carry any actual cargo, but Rocket Lab says eventually the Electron rocket will carry 150kg (331lbs) into orbit.
Analysis: Jonathan Amos, Science correspondent, BBC News
We're on the cusp of something quite exciting. Innovative companies are packaging really capable technologies into very small, low-cost satellites.
Their data will drive myriad new services - from helping city officials keep track of urban development to giving farmers information about the performance of their crops. But if this new wave is to succeed it needs cheaper access to space.
At the moment, the economics and flight schedules of these small satellites are still being defined by the availability and price of a ride on a big rocket.
Rocket Lab aims to change that. And there others, such as Richard Branson's LauncherOne project. Rocket Lab's second vehicle is already built and set to fly in the next couple months.
Keep an eye on the end of the year too because this US/NZ outfit even has a contract to send a small lander to the Moon.
Why New Zealand?Why New Zealand?
Rocket Lab's founder and chief executive Peter Beck is from New Zealand and the firm has a New Zealand subsidiary.Rocket Lab's founder and chief executive Peter Beck is from New Zealand and the firm has a New Zealand subsidiary.
The country has less air traffic, compared to say the US, so there is less need for flights to be rerouted every time a rocket is sent to space.The country has less air traffic, compared to say the US, so there is less need for flights to be rerouted every time a rocket is sent to space.
New Zealand is also positioned well to get satellites into a north-to-south orbit around earth.New Zealand is also positioned well to get satellites into a north-to-south orbit around earth.
The country is hoping to become a low-cost space hub.The country is hoping to become a low-cost space hub.
Why is the launch significant?Why is the launch significant?
Private and commercial rocket launches are becoming more and more common - the most famous example being Elon Musk's SpaceX.Private and commercial rocket launches are becoming more and more common - the most famous example being Elon Musk's SpaceX.
But SpaceX builds huge rockets aimed at following in the footsteps of Nasa missions, delivering cargo to the international space station and eventually sending man to Mars.But SpaceX builds huge rockets aimed at following in the footsteps of Nasa missions, delivering cargo to the international space station and eventually sending man to Mars.
Rocket Lab's Electron is entirely different. Its goal is to launch what, by comparison, is a tiny rocket for a fraction of the price. Rocket Lab's goal is to launch what, by comparison, is a tiny rocket for a fraction of the price, but with much more frequency.
That means that launches can be more frequent and a lot cheaper. The Electron is a mere 17m long and 1.2m in diameter. Each launch only costs about $5m.
There is a growing market for small satellites and so-called cubesats - small rectangular boxes that may weigh only a few kilos which are used, for instance, to gather pictures of Earth and weather data.
Rocket Lab's website already allows you to book a seat for your satellite. The cheapest deal is a small cubesat on a rideshare option - prices start at $77,000 (£59,280).
Currently, the only way of getting these into orbit is by hitching a ride on a big rocket as a secondary payload.
What kind of a rocket is the Electron?
The Electron is 17m long and 1.2m in diameter.
While the maximum payload is 225kg, it is designed to carry only 150kg into low orbit - between 300km (186 miles) and 500km above earth.
Just to put this into perspective: SpaceX's current Falcon rocket is a towering 70m and can carry 22,800kg into low orbit.Just to put this into perspective: SpaceX's current Falcon rocket is a towering 70m and can carry 22,800kg into low orbit.
According to Rocket Lab, each launch costs around $5m and the rocket is made entirely of carbon-composite and can not be re-used. Rocket Lab's website already allows you to book a seat for your satellite. The cheapest deal is a small cubesat on a rideshare option - prices start at $77,000 (£59,280).
The firm has developed its own partly 3-D printed engine for the project.