The California Science Center has received a generous donation from Rocket Lab USA, a leading company in launch services and space systems. This donation includes an Electron rocket, which is now available for public viewing at the Samuel Oschin Air and Space Center Work in Progress gallery. By showcasing this historic rocket, visitors will have the opportunity to get a close look at it for the first time.
Peter Beck, founder and CEO of Rocket Lab, expressed pride in being a part of this exhibit alongside other influential aerospace companies in Southern California. He emphasized that Rocket Lab’s mission is to make space accessible to everyone and hopes that the inclusion of Electron in the exhibit will inspire future leaders in STEM fields.
The Electron rocket is renowned as one of the world’s most successful launch vehicles, with 50 launches completed from sites in New Zealand and Virginia, USA. Notably, Electron is the first carbon composite orbital launch vehicle and the first to use 3D printed engines. With 10 Rutherford engines that are 3D printed and manufactured in Long Beach, California, Electron has successfully deployed 190 satellites for customers across various sectors since its inaugural launch in 2017.