Rocket Lab has unveiled a new system to send rockets into space. Instead of relying only on traditional fixed spaceports, the company is packing everything needed for a launch into standard shipping containers.

They call the system GHOST, short for Global Hypersonic & Orbital Spaceport Technology. It holds complete rockets, launch infrastructure, ground support, and range control systems. So, whether a team needs to send up a suborbital flight or an orbital mission, GHOST lets Rocket Lab set up and launch from almost anywhere in the world.

The setup works with both the Electron and HASTE rockets. Since both vehicles use the same ground equipment, the system offers a dual-launch capability. That gives Rocket Lab the flexibility to handle urgent national security missions and meet the rising global demand for launch options.

Starting Off in Alaska

Photo: Rocket Lab

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The launch system’s initial home will be at the Pacific Spaceport Complex in Kodiak, Alaska, officially named Rocket Lab Launch Complex 4. Rocket Lab plans to build two pads there to support high-frequency launch campaigns.

These two new spots will add to Rocket Lab’s existing footprint: Launch Complex 1 in New Zealand, along with Launch Complexes 2 and 3 in Virginia. That brings their total to six pads operating across two hemispheres. If all goes according to plan, GHOST will make its first suborbital launch from Alaska in 2027.

Mobile Launch Power

The main goal of GHOST is speed and adaptability. Its modular design allows teams to set up a new launch site quickly and even run multiple launches at the same time.

“We’ve been leading the field in small launch for missile defense and national security for years. Our reliability, repeatability, and affordability sets us apart from everybody else, and creating GHOST is about packaging that up into a deployable system that can serve the world’s most important programs from wherever those missions need,” Sir Peter Beck, founder and CEO of Rocket Lab, said. “Whether it’s for missile defense and deterrence, or opening up more trajectories, orbital missions, and sovereign launch capabilities in allied nations, GHOST is the answer to launching anywhere, anytime, and without compromise.”