New Zealand-based Rocket Lab says it completed a private orbital launch complex. Located on New Zealand’s Mahia Peninsula, Launch Complex 1 will be the primary site for launches of Rocket Lab’s Electron vehicle, which is designed to lift a 150-kg payload to a 500-km sun-synchronous orbit.

Rocket Lab chose the Mahia Peninsula location because of its remote island location and low volume of marine and air traffic, factors that it said create conditions for frequent launches. In addition, launches from the site can access a wide range of orbital inclinations, from 39 degrees through sun-synchronous.

The Electron rocket on its launch platform. Image source: Business Wire.Facilities at Launch Complex 1 include a vehicle processing hangar where the vehicle will be prepared for launch, as well as a 50-ton launch platform. The platform will tilt forward to lift the rocket to a vertical position prior to launch.

Satellites launched from the complex will be used to provide such capabilities as optimized crop monitoring, improved weather reporting, Internet from space, natural disaster prediction, up-to-date maritime data, and search and rescue services.

The company recently achieved qualification for the second stage of the Electron rocket, along with developing infrastructure including remote tracking, test facilities, and the launch site. Rocket Lab is currently working toward the qualification of the first stage of the Electron rocket. Test flights will be planned once qualification and licensing are complete.

With Electron, Rocket Lab will launch satellites used primarily used to provide imaging and communications services. Clients signed to fly on the Electron include NASA, Planet, Spire, and Moon Express. Ten-year-old Rocket Lab says Electron is the most affordable small satellite launch vehicle available.

Rocket Lab recently completed the 3-D-printed Rutherford engine, which is one of the first oxygen/hydrocarbon engines to use additive manufacturing for all primary components of the combustor and propellant supply system. Rutherford also has an electric propulsion cycle, making use of brushless DC electric motors and lithium polymer batteries to drive its turbo pumps.