US firm 1st to launch orbital-class rocket from private site
American aerospace corporation Rocket Lab has become the first company to successfully launch an orbital-class rocket into space from a private launching facility. The test flight from New Zealand's Mahia Peninsula was also the first rocket launch for the country. The firm launched 17-metre 'Electron' rocket, which harbours 3D-printed engines and can carry 150-225 kg payload into a 500-km orbit.