Rocket Lab Petition To Launch

Rocket Lab
launch of mission
90003301
Petition for Rocket Lab to continue
one-off launch operation during the
COVID-19 pandemic response
Date published 3/04/2020

Document version v1.0
Rocket Lab launch of mission 90003301
Rocket Lab Ltd Proprietary
© 2020 Rocket Lab Ltd. All rights reserved.

This document (including any attachments and addenda attached hereto) (“Document”)
contains the confidential, proprietary, privileged and/or private information and/or trade secrets
belonging to Rocket Lab Ltd. Rocket Lab Ltd. retains all title, ownership and intellectual property
rights to the information and trademarks contained herein. This Document is provided to
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Ltd.
Rocket Lab Ltd, 25 Levene Place, Mount Wellington, Auckland 1060, New Zealand 2 of 16
File Name: Petition to launch mission 90003301
Table of Contents
Rocket Lab launch of mission 90003301 ............................................................................................. 1
Document Control.................................................................................................................................. 3
1 Purpose ....................................................................................................................................... 5
2 Rationale ..................................................................................................................................... 5
3 Background ................................................................................................................................. 5
4 Schedule of launch operations – completed and pending ........................................................ 6
9(2)(b)(i), 9(2)(b)(ii)
9 Community Engagement ......................................................................................................... 15

9(2)(b)(i), 9(2)(b)(ii)
1 Purpose
The purpose of this petition is to request the NZ Government to consider granting authority
for Rocket Lab to complete a single launch operation from Launch Complex-1 at Mahia
during the current COVID-19 Alert Level 4.
2 Rationale
Permission to complete the single launch operation is required in order to:
• Meet US Government Agency expectations
• Enable the NZ government to continue to meet its obligations under the Technology
Safeguarding Agreement
• Minimize the significant financial implications for resulting from damage to the
Electron launch vehicle, customer payloads and launch range systems caused by
long-term storage after being prepared to a flight ready state
• Eliminate the need for international travellers to participate in the completion of this
launch and negate the risks associated with international travel and COVID-19
• Limit the negative reputational impact to NZ, the NZSA and Rocket Lab resulting
from the apparent inability to launch a payload for a major US Government Agency
• Minimize redundancies and enable Rocket Lab to retain high-value, high-tech jobs
in New Zealand
3 Background
In the lead up to the National level 4 response to COVID-19, Rocket Lab was in the process
of conducting launch operations of its 12th orbital launch 90003301 (aka “Don’t Stop Me
Now”, “Big Ben”). The launch vehicle and payloads were processed to a flight ready state
as the teams were about to conduct a complete the last major milestone prior to flight - the
wet dress rehearsal on 25th of March. On the announcement of the current COVID-19 Alert
level-4, the launch team swiftly transitioned all systems to storage and crews returned to
their homes per guidelines from the NZ Government.
As the majority of preparations of launch critical systems have been completed, a number
of systems on the launch vehicle, payload and launch pad now have a limited storage life.
Some examples of systems include 9(2)(b)(i), 9(2)(b)(ii)
To preserve the ability to launch in the current state under the rationale summarised above,
Rocket Lab has undertaken a planning effort to assess the feasibility of completing the
launch during the current COVID-19 Alert Level 4. This effort has concluded that completing
this launch is possible with minimal risk to Rocket Lab personnel and the wider community
through a combination of minimal staffing required on-site and implementation of alert
level-4 guidelines across all phases of the operation. This document provides further detail
of the implementation.
9(2)(b)(i), 9(2)(b)(ii)
There are no additional risks imposed on the mission or safe conduct of launch operations.
All security requirements of the Rocket Lab TTCP (050649500 (TA-0147-15H) TAA) will
continue to be met in full.
Launch operations are supported by employees stationed at two Rocket Lab facilities:
• Auckland Production Complex (Auckland, New Zealand) - involved with remote
monitoring and control of systems on the launch vehicle
• Launch Complex 1 (Mahia, New Zealand) - involved with the hands-on tasking at the
launch pad as well as monitoring, command and control of launch vehicle and launch
range systems locally.
9(2)(b)(i), 9(2)(b)(ii)
Rocket Lab will ensure it operates all sites and operations connected with this launch in a
manner that minimises the risk of COVID-19 transmission in line with the advice provided
on the NZ Government’s COVID-19 website. Details of proposed arrangements to minimise
risk of transmission during the course of operations between staff as well as transmission
to the wider community are as follows.
4 Schedule of launch operations – completed and

pending
Prior to the suspension of launch operations on 23 Mar 2020, the launch vehicle had
completed pre-launch assembly and testing and had been rolled out and mounted to the
launch pad in preparation for the next key milestone which was to be the Wet Dress
Rehearsal. Up to that point, the three stages of the launch vehicle and the payload fairing
had completed integrated systems testing and were mated together into a complete
vehicle.
The five payloads for this mission had also completed their stand-alone testing, were
installed in their deployers, and had been fit-checked with the payload mounting plate on
the launch vehicle third stage ready for flight.
After the announcement by the New Zealand government to elevate to Level 4, the Rocket
Lab and customer teams secured the launch vehicle and payloads for indefinite storage.
9(2)(b)(i), 9(2)(b)(ii)
9(2)(b)(i), 9(2)(b)(ii)
Staff supporting launch operations from the Auckland Production Complex will be operating
from the Mission Control Centre. The primary roles of these staff involve monitoring critical
systems on the launch vehicle. During launch operations, staff shifts are tightly controlled
in synchronisation with launch operations and, as such, staff movements in and out of the
facility are also tightly controlled. Staff movements within the Mission Control Centre itself
are also at a minimum as all operators are stationed at a console without requirement to
move during the course of their shift. 9(2)(b)(i), 9(2)(b)(ii)
9(2)(b)(i), 9(2)(b)(ii)
• Only essential operators that are critical to the success and safe conduct of the
mission will be required to support operations in-person at the Mission Control Centre
located within the Auckland Production Complex. 9(2)(b)(i), 9(2)(b)(ii)
• Non-essential operators will participate in launch operations remotely

• A small number of critical non-flight support staff will also be present to provide
appropriate life support for operations
• Physical distancing will be enforced for all operators that are stationed in the Mission
Control Centre during operations. This will be achieved by re-arranging seating
allocation such that operators are seated at least 2m from each other
• 9(2)(b)(i), 9(2)(b)(ii)
• Enhanced hygiene measures will be implemented in line with the Rocket Lab
Enhanced Hygiene Plan. This includes defined cleaning protocols for work spaces,
transit routes and public areas such as restrooms and kitchens. Cleaning
methodology relies on the use of an alcohol based cleaning agent or IPA (Isopropanol
or Isopropyl Alcohol).
• All staff involved with launch operations will be briefed and educated on COVID-19
as well as measures in place to minimise the risk of transmission
• A daily health and well-being check will be conducted by staff from the People &
Culture & Security teams. Staff that report any symptoms will be required to stand-
down
• All control of access measures in place will continue to be enforced by the Rocket Lab
security team to ensure only cleared and asymptomatic personnel are allowed into
the facility
• All meetings will continue to be carried out virtually
9(2)(b)(i), 9(2)(b)(ii)
• 9(2)(b)(i), 9(2)(b)(ii)
• All staff that are required to support launch operations in-person will have already
been in lockdown for over 14 days. No symptomatic personnel will be permitted to
take part in launch activities. Depending on the circumstances encountered during
launch operations, individuals may be required to self-isolate at home, or at
accommodation to be sourced by Rocket Lab, for 14 days after completion of launch
operations as a precautionary measure
9(2)(b)(i), 9(2)(b)(ii)
9(2)(b)(i), 9(2)(b)(ii)
9(2)(b)(i), 9(2)(b)(ii)
Movement Mahia-Launch Site: Each house will be allocated a rental vehicle already
under contract to enable residents to move to the site in accordance with shift times.
Carpooling or sharing of vehicles for transport between houses will not occur
6. Enhanced hygiene: Sanitising products will be available at work and common
contact surface points for routine cleaning. Where staff are required to work in close
proximity, additional PPE including helmets with face shields, will be provided.
9(2)(b)(i), 9(2)(b)(ii)
9(2)(b)(i), 9(2)(b)(ii)
9(2)(b)(i), 9(2)(b)(ii)
• 9(2)(b)(i), 9(2)(b)(ii)
• Within work groups, all staff will be issued PPE; gloves, face mask in sufficient
quantities and availability to mitigate risk in travel, accommodation, confined
workspaces or situations where technical staff share a physical task
• 9(2)(b)(i), 9(2)(b)(ii)
• At the completion of each day, support staff will santise common contact areas
• Non-essential operators will participate in launch operations remotely
• Physical distancing will be enforced for all operators that are stationed in the Range
Control Centre during operations. This will be achieved by re-arranging seating
allocation such that an operator maintains at least a 2 metre radius
• Enhanced hygiene measures will be implemented in line with the Rocket Lab
Enhanced Hygiene Plan. This includes defined cleaning protocols for work spaces,
transit routes and public areas such as restrooms. Cleaning methodology relies on
the use of an alcohol based cleaning agent or IPA (Isopropanol or Isopropyl
Alcohol).
• All staff involved with launch operations will be briefed and educated on COVID-19
as well as measures in place to minimise the risk of transmission
• A daily health and well-being check will be conducted by staff from the People &
Culture & Security teams. Staff that report any symptoms will be required to stand-
down
• All control of access measures in place will continue to be enforced by the Rocket
Lab security team to ensure only cleared and asymptomatic personnel are allowed
into the facility
• All meetings will continue to be carried out virtually
9(2)(b)(i), 9(2)(b)(ii)
• Mahia is a small community and the area is currently entering the minimum
inhabited period for the year
• 9(2)(b)(i), 9(2)(b)(ii)
• 9(2)(b)(ii), 9(2)(b)(i)
• Staff will self-cater and self clean to minimise unnecessary interaction

• All deployed personnel will follow national direction for isolation and physical
distancing in public places
• All staff that are required to support launch operations in-person will have already
been in lockdown for over 14 days. No symptomatic personnel will be permitted to
take part in launch activities. Depending on the circumstances encountered during
launch operations, individuals may be required to self-isolate at home, or at
accommodation to be sourced by Rocket Lab, for 14 days after completion of launch
operations as a precautionary measure.
9(2)(b)(i), 9(2)(b)(ii)
All external support can be scaled down to support launch operations to reduce the strain
on other essential businesses and Government agencies. While this increases the chance
of a scrubbed launch, the reduced external support will not have an effect on maintaining
safety requirements to conduct the launch.
This mission will be carried out under NZ launch license 190093-LLC, which takes into
account the authorisation granted to Rocket Lab under FAA launch license LLO 19-117. In
Rocket Lab’s license application material for LLO 19-117, there are measures detailed
which may not be achievable, or necessary, for a launch in the current situation.
9(2)(b)(i), 9(2)(b)(ii)
9(2)(b)(i), 9(2)(b)(ii)
9(2)(b)(i), 9(2)(b)(ii)
9(2)(b)(i), 9(2)(b)(ii)
9(2)(b)(i), 9(2)(b)(ii)
9 Community Engagement
Information about the launch activity, and the extensive measures undertaken by Rocket
Lab to mitigate the spread of COVID-19, will be shared with the Mahia community via the
following channels:
• Information published in the Wairoa Star (local community newspaper)
• Local community Facebook groups
• The Rocket Lab website (www.rocketlabusa.com/next-mission)
Information will also be shared directly with iwi leaders via email.
An 0800 phone number will be made available to community members to contact Rocket
Lab with concerns or questions.
A reactive Q&A document will be prepared in coordination with the NZSA/MBIE and Wairoa
District Council communications teams to ensure messaging to the community and media
is consistent and agreed upon. This will ensure a “no surprises” approach to media
coverage for the government.
9(2)(b)(i), 9(2)(b)(ii)
9(2)(b)(i), 9(2)(b)(ii)

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Date published 3/04/2020

© 2020 Rocket Lab Ltd. All rights reserved.

9 Community Engagement ......................................................................................................... 15

4 Schedule of launch operations – completed and

• Non-essential operators will participate in launch operations remotely

• Staff will self-cater and self clean to minimise unnecessary interaction

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