Rocket Lab Launch Complex 1

Rocket Lab Launch Complex 1

Launch Complex 1 on Mahia Peninsula
Location	Mahia Peninsula, New Zealand
Coordinates	39°15′39″S 177°51′56″E / 39.2609°S 177.8655°E / -39.2609; 177.8655Coordinates: 39°15′39″S 177°51′56″E / 39.2609°S 177.8655°E / -39.2609; 177.8655
Operator	Rocket Lab
Launch pad(s)	1
Launch history Status Active Launches 0 Associated rockets Electron

Rocket Lab Launch Complex 1 is a commercial spaceport located on the Mahia Peninsula of New Zealand's North Island. It is owned and operated by private spaceflight company Rocket Lab and will support launches of the company's Electron rocket for CubeSat nanosatellites. The facility officially opened on 26 September 2016 (UTC).

Rocket Lab announced on 1 July 2015 that it had selected Kaitorete Spit in New Zealand's South Island near Canterbury as the site of the launch facility for its Electron rocket, and that it hoped to have construction finished by the end of the year. While the site would not permit equatorial launches due to the presence of Banks Peninsula to the east, it was favourable for Sun-synchronous orbital flights, which the company believed would be of primary interest to its customers. The site was also logistically favourable as the company wanted to build a rocket production facility in nearby Christchurch.

In August 2015, the company expressed interest in developing a second launch facility on the Mahia Peninsula at Onenui Station, which they had first visited in April 2015 as part of their initial scouting for launch sites, and were preparing to submit a resource consent application. By mid-October, the application had been approved by the Wairoa District Council and Hawke's Bay Regional Council only seven days after its submission, with the Gisborne Chamber of Commerce and the Eastland Community Trust working with Rocket Lab to support its bid for the Mahia site.