Rocket Lab founder and boss Sir Peter Beck has spoken of the likely cost and logistics of the Venus Life Finder mission. Photo / SuppliedOnce above Venus’ clouds, time will be of the essence for the probe that will be deployed during the Rocket Lab mission. But Beck said the timeline was delayed while the company got its next-generation Neutron rocket fully operational – a milestone expected later this year. “Although Nasa’s missions are more advanced, Rocket Lab’s Venus mission could strengthen support for low-cost space missions designed to answer specific science questions,” it said. US Secretary of Defence Pete Hegseth (left) with Rocket Lab founder Sir Peter Beck.

Source: New Zealand Herald March 16, 2026 19:03 UTC