Rocket Lab launches Japanese satellite from complex in New Zealand

A rocket successfully takes off from a launch site on the Mahia Peninsula, New Zealand, on Friday (Rocket Lab via AP)

US firm Rocket Lab, which specialises in putting small satellites into orbit, has launched a Japanese satellite from the space company’s complex on New Zealand’s Mahia Peninsula.

The mission, named The Moon God Awakens, was initially scheduled for Wednesday but postponed due to forecast strong winds.