The Electron Arrives at Launch Complex 1. Photo: Rocket Labs.

Rocket Lab has delivered its first Electron vehicle to Rocket Lab Launch Complex 1, marking the beginning of pre-flight checkouts. The rocket was trucked to the Mahia Peninsula from Rocket Lab’s Auckland facility.

Over the coming weeks, a series of tests and checkouts will be conducted at the site before the rocket, named It’s a Test, is signed-off to fly. The launch, which will be the first orbital launch attempt from New Zealand, is the first of three planned tests before Rocket Lab begins providing customers commercial satellite launches.

“Since we commenced this project three years ago … the vehicle has gone through rigorous qualification and acceptance testing,” said Peter Beck, chief executive officer of Rocket Lab. “Rocket Lab Launch Complex 1 has been completed and major tracking infrastructure has been installed in remote locations.”