Submission + - RocketLab successfully launches Electron rocket to orbit
necro81 writes: RocketLab, a US-based startup, has successfully launched is Electron rocket to orbit, carrying three small payloads. With a low-Earth orbit payload capacity of only about 150 kg, Electron is aimed squarely at the cubesat market, which generally has had to piggyback their payloads aboard much larger (and more expensive, and less-frequently flown) rockets. The Electron was also slated to deliver lunar payloads as part of the Google Lunar X-prize. Although a US-based company, most of the activity is in New Zealand, where the rockets are assembled and launched. The rocket is powered by RocketLab's Rutherford engine which, rather than using combustion to run the turbopumps, uses electric motors powered by batteries. The Rutherford engine is substantially made using 3D-printed metal.