Rocket enthusiast and Operations Hero Alastair reviews The Launch of Rocket Lab, ahead of its 28/10 release.
An Excellent Addition to Your Collection
When I first opened the book, I was awestruck by the incredible rocketry photos. I immediately knew I was in for something special.
The book follows the journey from concept all the way to future Rocket Lab projects with their new medium-lift launch vehicle, Neutron - set to launch within the next year! Despite being US-based, you can't help but feel the deep New Zealand roots of the company.
The book begins with the origin story, detailing Peter's journey from being a self-taught engineer - riding a homemade rocket-powered bicycle - to running a market leader in the space industry. Peter is a true visionary. He embodies the ethos of if Rocket Lab say they'll do something, they'll do it.
The book brings an authentic feel to the company's NZ origins, starting with the first rocket launch, Ātea-1, from Great Mercury Island - east of the Coromandel. New Zealanders have always been known for their ingenuity, and this book demonstrates that Rocket Lab is no exception. Who else would try to catch a rocket with a helicopter? It looks to the future with Peter's vision of completing the first private mission to Venus. If anything would encourage you to visit the Māhia Peninsula to witness a rocket launch, this book would be it.
Be you an astronomy enthusiast, a rocket fan, or just looking for a new book for your coffee table? With its incredible space and rocketry photos, this book would be an excellent addition to your collection.
The Launch of Rocket Lab
From a young age New Zealander Sir Peter Beck had his mind set on one thing: space. And as he tinkered with motorbikes in his parents' garage as a teenager, he was quietly forming a plan-a plan that would eventuate into the establishment of one of the most dynamic and influential aerospace manufacturers the world has ever seen.
Trace Rocket Lab's extraordinary journey from fledgling start-up to international powerhouse competing against two of the world's richest men in the global space race.
With remarkable behind-the-scenes photographs and original interviews with Beck, his team, investors, and industry experts.