David Shearer

Labour's Research, Science and Technology spokesperson David Shearer has congratulated Rocket Lab Limited for its successful rocket launch into space this afternoon.

"The successful lift-off of Atea-1 marks a special moment in New Zealand's proud science history," David Shearer said. "In science if a job is worth doing it's worth doing right, so congratulations to all those behind today's launch.

"The entire project has been a incredible journey of passion and commitment by Peter Beck and Mark Rocket and their small but dedicated team, a lot of the time against the odds.

"I was at the launch site on Great Mercury Island this morning and met with the rocket team.

"They are an inspiration and show the innovative and resourcefulness of Kiwis."

David Shearer said while the launch will have been a great spectacle to watch the Atea-1 and its successors will be a vital tool for scientific research for the future.

"It's likely there will be commercial spin-offs from companies wanting to utilise the technology for research, but the research carried out by Rocket Lab could also trigger technological advances," David Shearer said.

"We aren't the first to venture into space, but we could create a first with what we discover now we are there."