The Infrastructure Available to the Commercial Space Industry will Impact Affordability of Launches

Peter Beck launched Rocket Lab in 2006 in New Zealand. Though his background isn’t traditional, he knew he wanted to build rickets from a young age. He quickly developed international partnerships and expanded with venture capitalists in 2014. Since 2014, the company has doubled in size every year. Today, Rocket Lab has more than a thousand employees. Beck said, “we made quite a few acquisitions last year, and we doubled that way.”

Rocket Lab requires the best of the best from its partners, and some of those partnerships have led to acquisitions. After long held relationships, Beck recognized the best in class and grew the Rocket Lab family. With US Headquarters and operating in New Zealand and a couple of other countries, Beck said,  “we’ve been global since day one and we’re used to operating in various hemispheres.”

In addition to expecting the best in class, Rocket Lab prioritizes sustainability. The launch company is exploring ways to make their rockets more sustainable, both by decreasing the stage times of the rockets and by transitioning elements into working satellites while in orbit. Beck knows that the entire industry has to adapt to become more sustainable. “There’s technology to sustain space, but it’s better not to get there in the first place,” said Beck.

History of space exploration has accumulated dead rockets in orbit. Leaving the upper stages with huge mass in orbit, “is not cool,” said Beck. According to the Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space, “the Earth’s orbital space environment constitutes a finite resource that is being used by an increasing number of States, international intergovernmental organizations and non-governmental entities.” Hence, the focus on transformative elements so that Rocket Lab vehicles can lead the industry in responsible launching.

The majority of the work for sustainability has to be done by governments and authorities. “As a launch provider we’re a glorified freight company,” said Beck. It’s a logistical nightmare for regulation to fall onto the freight company. “There’s not cohesive framework there, there has to be a global regulation.” According to the Secure World Foundation, space sustainability requires international cooperation, discussion and agreements designed to ensure that outer space is safe, secure, and peaceful. Addressing increasing complexity of space operations requires international cooperation.

More in This Series

This Season’s Mission Will Be Making Space Relatable

The Impact of the Russian ASAT Tests

Follow us on social media for the latest updates in B2B!

Image

Latest

four perspectives in 2024
Amend & Progress: Exploring Four Perspectives in 2024 and Beyond
March 28, 2024

In a dynamic exchange on the Amend & Progress podcast by Vodori, Annalise Ludtke explores four perspectives in 2024 that will help bring effective content to the market now and beyond. With the participation of Vodori’s CEO and Co-Founder, Scott Rovegno, the conversation unveils insights on macro-level topics crucial to the organization’s strategic direction. […]

Read More
retail in the digital age
APL Is Redefining Retail in the Digital Age with Tech-Infused Luxury Footwear
March 27, 2024

In an era where fashion and technology intersect more seamlessly than ever, particularly within the context of retail in the digital age, the discussion around innovation in the luxury footwear market is gaining momentum. This conversation comes at a crucial time when consumers are increasingly looking for products that not only offer aesthetic appeal […]

Read More
grid expansion
Voices of ChargeExpo 2024: Lilypad EV Unites Grid Expansion with EV Charging for a Better User Experience
March 27, 2024

At ChargeExpo 2024, a pivotal discussion unfolded, shedding light on the integral relationship between grid expansion and the future of electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure. As electric vehicles continue to surge in popularity, the spotlight has turned to the supporting infrastructure, underscoring a critical challenge: the need for significant grid expansion to accommodate the […]

Read More
advanced battery technologies
Empowering a Greener Tomorrow: The Urgent Need for Enhanced Safety Protocols in the Electric Vehicles and Advanced Battery Technologies Sector
March 26, 2024

As the world gravitates toward cleaner energy solutions, electric vehicles (EVs) and advanced battery technologies stand at the forefront of this transformative journey. The shift towards electrification underscores a global commitment to reducing carbon emissions, with the EV market experiencing unprecedented growth​​. Innovations in battery technology, crucial for extending EV range and reducing costs, […]

Read More