Rocket Lab has completed and installed a new launch platform at the Mid-Atlantic Regional Spaceport for launches of the Electron vehicle. The platform“™s installation marks a new milestone towards the end of Launch Complex 2“™s construction, the company said Wednesday.
Launch Complex 2 is located at Wallops Island, Va., and will serve as the Rocket Lab“™s second launch facility. The new complex follows and exhibits similarities with Rocket Lab“™s first launch site in New Zealand.
Rocket Lab will build and integrate launch pad systems for Launch Complex 2 in the following weeks. These systems will facilitate the Electron rocket“™s processing, propellant loading and launching activities.
The company will commence integration and testing after the site achieves completion. Tests will run through December 2019, with the first U.S.-based Electron launch scheduled for early 2020.