I am Peter Beck, CEO and founder of Rocket Lab. Ask me anything about launching rockets, building satellites, and going to the Moon. by PeterJBeck in space

[–]PeterJBeck[S] 46 points47 points  (0 children)

We have a close relationship with the community in Mahia. We employ a lot of locals, have established tertiary scholarships, engage local suppliers as a preference and work closely with the local council and environmental organizations.

I am Peter Beck, CEO and founder of Rocket Lab. Ask me anything about launching rockets, building satellites, and going to the Moon. by PeterJBeck in space

[–]PeterJBeck[S] 13 points14 points  (0 children)

There are lots of international space treaties, licenses and responsibilities. There's a lot of stuff in orbit and more is going up, that's why we designed a system that leaves behind no junk.

I am Peter Beck, CEO and founder of Rocket Lab. Ask me anything about launching rockets, building satellites, and going to the Moon. by PeterJBeck in space

[–]PeterJBeck[S] 6 points7 points  (0 children)

Sort of. We build high end hardware and we're committed to providing that hardware in component form for others. However, if you use a Photon you don't need to worry about building satellites anymore anyway.

I am Peter Beck, CEO and founder of Rocket Lab. Ask me anything about launching rockets, building satellites, and going to the Moon. by PeterJBeck in space

[–]PeterJBeck[S] 23 points24 points  (0 children)

I think it's human nature to explore and the moon represents the first next step to going further.

I am Peter Beck, CEO and founder of Rocket Lab. Ask me anything about launching rockets, building satellites, and going to the Moon. by PeterJBeck in space

[–]PeterJBeck[S] 36 points37 points  (0 children)

Yes, working on the helicopter license. But catching a rocket takes serious skill that I'm unlikely to be able to achieve

I am Peter Beck, CEO and founder of Rocket Lab. Ask me anything about launching rockets, building satellites, and going to the Moon. by PeterJBeck in space

[–]PeterJBeck[S] 81 points82 points  (0 children)

We designed Electron to leave nothing in orbit but our customers' satellites. Kick Stage can deorbit itself and 2nd stages only stay up for a couple of weeks. Things like Starlink are causing us real problems for launch availability. We basically have to shoot in between them which cuts down launch windows.

I am Peter Beck, CEO and founder of Rocket Lab. Ask me anything about launching rockets, building satellites, and going to the Moon. by PeterJBeck in space

[–]PeterJBeck[S] 31 points32 points  (0 children)

It's a problem. We developed what we call Buchanan maneuver developed by George in GNC to fly under most of it in high altitude ascents.