MetService on site for planned Rocket Lab launch

22 June 2018

A good winter’s day in-store for the team and spectators

Locals, spectators and the team at Rocket Lab should experience some settled weather and sunshine on Saturday as the company prepares for its second orbital launch off the Mahia Peninsula.

MetService are the official weather consultants to Rocket Lab, and have an expert meteorologist on site, easily accessible for up-to-the-minute advice, given the complexity of this launch.

“Weather is such a critical component of this activity which is why we’re here,” says Expert Meteorologist Mark Schwarz. “Close consideration of not only the surface conditions but also the upper atmosphere play an important role in the launch.”

As the official Rocket Lab forecaster, Mark is currently at Mahia Peninsula providing launch forecasts to the team dealing with critical factors such as wind at a very high altitude, icing, turbulence and potential cloud cover.

“The weather outlook for Mahia on Saturday is looking like sunshine which is encouraging for the potential launch. The ridge of high pressure pushing over New Zealand from the Tasman Sea gives us this window of opportunity,” says Schwarz.

“A good winter’s day is in store with light winds turning northwesterly as the day progresses and temperatures reach about 14C.”

MetService have been onsite with Rocket Lab since its first launch.

MetService is New Zealand’s National Meteorological Service. As a State-Owned Enterprise its core purpose is to protect the safety of life and property in New Zealand while operating as a commercial business.

MetService recently emerged as the second highest rated agency in Colmar Brunton’s annual survey of reputation in the public sector.

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