A controversial satellite from Rocket Lab has successfully launched today from its Māhia site.
Rocket Lab's They Go Up So Fast launch which included a satellite called 'gunsmoke j' on 23 March, 2021. Photo: Screenshot / Rocket Lab
A experimental satellite for the US military was one of the items launched into space.
The satellite, called 'gunsmoke j', will test technologies that support development of the US Army.
Some in the community fear it might be breaking New Zealand's nuclear-free laws.
Minister Stuart Nash signed off on the payload.
Peace activists are planning a protest at Māhia, a small seaside community between Napier and Gisborne.