ocket launches can be delayed due to the weather, as well as if a problem arises or is detected at the last minute.

Rocket Lab will be launching their Electron rocket on a satellite ride-share mission. This means that there are multiple satellites on board which share the journey to space before being deployed. This group includes 7 small satellites built by various companies around the globe.

The Electron rocket will be launched from Rocket Lab's private launch site in Mahia, New Zealand.

The launch is scheduled for between Sunday 5th July, 21:13 - 22:03 UTC (22:13 - 23:03 BST). Should the launch be delayed to another date within this window, the information above will be updated accordingly. The range of time is because of the ability to launch the satellites at any point during this 'window' for them to be successfully put in the required orbits.

The launch will be live-stream on Rocket Lab's website about 15 - 20 minutes before launch. Rocket Lab may give more frequent updates from New Zealand Standard Time before the launch on social media and you can find more information about the launch on their website.

The Electron rocket is a 17 metre tall, two stage, orbital class rocket. The first stage uses nine Rutherford engines, all of which have 3D printed primary components - the first oxygen/kerosene engine to do so. Rocket Lab is trying to make their rockets reusable to help the environment as well as reduce the cost of launching satellites - as they offer a low-cost way to launch satellites for any companies or corporations. Their plans for re-usability include having the rocket's first stage use a parachute as it re-enters the Earth's atmosphere to slow down and glide back to sea-level. Then, a helicopter using a large cable will pick up the rocket by the parachute chord in mid-air and recover the rocket for it to be refurbished and reused again in the future. The animation below by Rocket Lab shows this concept. Currently, only tests with mock rockets have taken place but show positive signs for the future.