WELLINGTON, New Zealand, Aug. 14 (UPI) -- Commercial space rockets may be shooting up from down under before long if a New Zealand venture company finds its way.
Rocket Lab Ltd. announced Tuesday it will start launching 17-foot carbon-fiber rockets spaceward in September 2008, The Dominion Post in Wellington, New Zealand, reported. The company, started by Peter Beck and Mark Rocket -- yes, that's his legal name -- is looking to capitalize on the growing commercial demand for space access.
Rocket Lab's Atea, or "space" missiles will carry scientific payloads but also cremated human remains.
"I believe New Zealand has a golden opportunity to be a space industry leader in the Southern Hemisphere," Rocket said.
Economic Development Minister Trevor Mallard said he first thought the project was a joke but now praises the New Zealand entrepreneurs for "reaching for the sky," the newspaper said.
