Vector co-founder says company overcoming challenges to reach the launch pad

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  This is the core of the Vector-R B1001 rocket. [credit: Vector ]

Like a lot of companies that aspire to launch rockets, Vector has had its ups and downs along the way to the launch pad. But in an interview with Ars, Vector's co-founder and chief executive, Jim Cantrell, said the micro-launch company is continuing to make progress toward space and intends to launch two rockets this year.

"Basically we’ve had to revise our development plan," said Cantrell, who had previously hoped to see Vector make its first space launch in 2018. "No rocket’s ever been late; we’ll probably be the first one," he added, with a laugh.

Vector's new plan targets the launch of a suborbital rocket, Vector-R B1001, for June. (There is no formal launch date yet set, Cantrell said, because "stuff happens.") This mission will have a customer, but Cantrell isn't ready to say who yet. Then, before the end of the year, the company intends to fly its first orbital rocket, Vector-R B1003, from the Pacific Spaceport Complex in Alaska.