Rocket Lab Launches Japanese Satellite From Space Company’s Complex in New Zealand

Rocket Lab Launches Japanese Satellite From Space Company’s Complex in New Zealand
An electron rocket successfully takes off from its launch site on the Mahia Peninsula, New Zealand, on Dec. 15, 2023. Rocket Lab via AP
The Associated Press
Updated:
0:00

WELLINGTON, New Zealand—California-based Rocket Lab, which specializes in putting small satellites into orbit, launched a Japanese satellite on Friday from the space company’s complex on New Zealand’s Mahia Peninsula.

The mission, named “The Moon God Awakens,” was initially scheduled for Wednesday but was postponed due to forecast strong winds. The Electron rocket launched at 5:06 p.m. local time (0406 GMT).