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New Zealand space start-up Rocket Lab reaches orbit again in key first commercial launch

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    I work in the commercial space sector and this launch from Rocket Lab is really exciting news. For context, here's a size comparison (source) of various rockets, including RLNZ's Electron and the...

    I work in the commercial space sector and this launch from Rocket Lab is really exciting news.

    For context, here's a size comparison (source) of various rockets, including RLNZ's Electron and the Falcon / Falcon Heavy from SpaceX.

    Electron is much smaller - they launched just 7 satellites, compared to an upcoming SpaceX launch that's carrying 64 satellites on a single Falcon 9. The goal is that this should complement, rather than directly compete with, bigger rockets like the Falcon. Think Boeing 747 vs. smaller regional jet like a Bombardier or Embraer.

    3 votes