New Zealand now a Space-Age nation.

[Kasynlie]

New Zealanders have successfully launched a rocket into space from the Great Mercury Island.



Atea, named after the Maori word for space, reached a height of 150kms and a top speed of Mach 5 (over 5000km/h) according to the New Zealand Herald. This was also the first successful and private rocket launch in the southern hemisphere — even though the diminutive rocket was six metres tall and weighed in at 60 kgs.



But the launch did not go as smoothly as planned, with a seven hour delay due to a spare part being flown in, TVNZ reported.



Nitrous oxide was said to have frozen a fuel coupling, causing the postponement of launch. Mark Rocket, who changed his surname from Stevens, said that he started up his company three years ago in a bid to make space more accessible.



The rocket launch was also a significant step for the economy, with the makers hoping that more commercially-successful launches can take place in the future, according to National Business Review.



This is the first step in a long journey, Rocket said.

SOURCES:

http://technology.iafrica.com/news/space/2085600.htm

http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/artic ... d=10612593