Transcript of Rocket LAB CEO's speech at TED:

The content comes from a TED talk, an old piece from four years ago. However, for those who want to better understand $Rocket Lab(RKLB.US), I believe it will still hold value. The content has been optimized by AI.

Small Rockets Are the Next Space Revolution | Peter Beck

Opening: The Dream of Rockets

“Today, this is a powerful sharing about rockets. If you’ve ever wondered what a million horsepower feels like, you will find out next.”

Peter Beck talks about how rockets have always been his dream. However, when he was a child, his teachers and parents thought his dream was “unrealistic.” The school even suggested he work at a local aluminum factory because of his strong manual skills. But for him, aluminum had nothing to do with rockets.

During his school years, he began making rockets, gradually progressing from small rockets to larger and more complex ones. He even created an unofficial land speed record for rocket bicycles and skateboards.

The Shift from Large Rockets to Small Rockets

Currently, discussions in the space sector often focus on large rockets, such as those for sending humans to the moon or exploring Mars. But Peter Beck points out that the space industry is undergoing a “miniaturization revolution.”

The Evolution of Spacecraft

• 1990s: The spacecraft of that time were large, similar to a school bus.

• Today: Modern small spacecraft not only have high-resolution cameras, sensors, and communication systems but can also perform tasks such as searching for extraterrestrial life.

Despite the miniaturization of spacecraft, traditional large rockets are not suitable for launching these fingertip-sized spacecraft.

Electron Rocket and Launch Frequency

Peter Beck introduced Rocket Lab's small rocket—Electron. This is a rocket specifically designed for small payloads.

The Importance of Launch Frequency

“If you want to truly democratize space, launch frequency is the most important factor.” Peter Beck stated that to achieve frequent space launches, three key elements need to be addressed:

1. Manufacturing rockets.

2. Regulatory frameworks.

3. Infrastructure.

Challenges of Infrastructure

Why Choose New Zealand?

Rocket Lab's launch site is located in New Zealand, the only private orbital launch site in the world. Peter Beck explained the reasons for the site selection:

1. Each rocket launch requires the closure of airspace and maritime areas within approximately 2,000 kilometers.

2. In the United States, due to busy air traffic, each closure of airspace can lead to significant economic losses (about $70,000 per minute).

3. New Zealand, with its vast land and sparse population, few neighboring countries, and almost no air traffic, has become an ideal launch site.

Regulations and International Cooperation

The challenges of building a launch site in New Zealand are not only technical but also involve legal and international treaty restrictions. For example:

• To facilitate launches, Rocket Lab facilitated the signing of a bilateral treaty between the United States and New Zealand.

• The treaty requires the New Zealand government to formulate and pass new space laws and even establish a space agency. Subsequently, Australia also established its own space agency.

Challenges in Rocket Manufacturing

“Every day, I am fighting against physics.” Peter Beck elaborated on the complexities of manufacturing rockets:

1. Uniqueness of Rocket Design: All components need to be custom-made and cannot be purchased from the market.

2. Engine Innovation: Rocket Lab developed the Rutherford engine, introducing a brand new “electric turbo pump” technology.

• The engine is made using 3D printing, with materials being Inconel superalloy.

• Through 3D printing, Rocket Lab achieved the capability to manufacture one engine every 24 hours.

Eco-Friendly Launches and Space Debris

Peter Beck mentioned the “dirty secret” of the space industry: most space debris is not satellites but discarded rocket parts. To address this issue, Rocket Lab designed a new method:

1. During launch, the second stage rocket will enter a highly elliptical orbit.

2. At the lowest orbital point (perigee), the second stage rocket will re-enter the Earth's atmosphere and burn up, avoiding the creation of space debris.

3. Using “Kick Stage” technology, after precisely deploying satellites, it will burn itself up.

Democratization of Space Exploration

Peter Beck compared current space exploration to the early spread of the internet. He illustrated how small rockets and satellites are changing the world:

1. Widespread Education: Rocket Lab assisted high school students in launching small satellites for studying Venus's atmosphere.

2. Global Internet: Small satellite constellation plans will provide internet access to every corner of the globe.

• For developed countries, this means more convenient entertainment and communication.

• For developing countries, this could fundamentally change the way knowledge is acquired, leading to significant social impacts.

Conclusion

Peter Beck concluded, “We are at the starting point of the democratization of space. Just as the internet changed the world, the next leap in space exploration will be to bring everyone into this field.” This is the complete organized content. If further modifications or additions are needed, please feel free to let me know!