Rocket Lab Conducts 2nd Orbital Launch Vehicle Flight Test

Rocket Lab has launched its second Electron orbital launch vehicle from the company’s launch complex on Mahia Peninsula, New Zealand, into space.

The rocket, nicknamed Still Testing, reached orbit 8.5 minutes after liftoff and deployed  Planet‘s Dove Pioneer satellite along with a pair of Spire‘s Lemur-2 satellites during the test flight, Rocket Lab said Sunday.

Rocket Lab engineers will analyze launch data to establish reference for future tests.

The Huntington Beach, California-based company noted it is manufacturing five Electron rockets and expects to conduct the next launch in early 2018.

Founded in 2006, Rocket Lab aims to complete more than 50 launch missions per year.

The firm’s key investors include Lockheed Martin, Bessemer Venture Partners, Data Collective, Khosla Ventures, K1W1 and Promus Ventures.