NZ's first space rocket launches

New Zealand's first space rocket, the Atea-1, has launched this afternoon after a morning of technical delays.

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BREAKING NEWS: At 2.30pm today, scientist Peter Beck uttered the phrase he will be forever known for:

"New Zealand, we are go for space."

Seconds later, his long-held dream came true as the Atea-1 rocket lifted off Great Mercury Island and soared towards space.

Fellow space fan and Rocket Lab director Mark Rocket thrust his fist in the air and close to 50 people gathered among rocks about 500 metres from the launch site broke into cheers as a glow began at the tail of the rocket just before it shot into the low clouds.

It disappeared within two seconds, about the same time the rocket was due to take to reach the speed of sound.

Call it a sign, but within minutes of the launch, rain began to fall, sending everyone running for cover.

The launch was initially scheduled for 7.10am today, but a frozen fuel connection delayed the start several hours.

The delayed launch was ultimately saved by a $6 brass fitting which island owner Sir Michael Fay sent a helicopter to Whitianga to pick up.

Mr Rocket said they had been on the verge of calling off the launch three times before the successful afternoon attempt.

But he was overjoyed as he spoke to Mr Beck on a two way radio moments after the launch.

"It's a fantastic effort, Peter, it was glorious to behold."

While it had been Mr Beck's dream to send a rocket in to space, he didn't get to see the launch itself, as he controlled proceedings from a bunker built into a hill below the launch site.

Half an hour after the rocker disappeared from view, Mr Beck was still waiting confirmation from on board GPS transceivers whether the six metre rocket actually made it to space.

"Until we get that we can't confirm it but it was a good long burn. As long as we get that long burn, we should be home free, it's looking good," he said amid celebratory speeches at Sir Michael's boathouse on the island.

And a glass or two of champagne.

"It's starting to sink in a bit now," Mr Beck said.

- © Fairfax NZ News