Rocket Lab

[ZeroID]

Preparing to launch it's first three satellites next year.
Launch facilities are almost complete on the Mahia Peninsula.

http://www.nzherald.co.nz/business/news/article.cfm?c_id=3&objectid=11673216

Can't wait to see this all come to fruition finally ...

[pluto]

Good to see this still progressing nicely:
http://www.spaceflightinsider.com/missions/commercial/rocket-lab-completes-flight-qualification-of-electron-first-stage/

[ZeroID]

Yep, motors have been certified, first test launches in 2018. Been some TV coverage over here of the launch site setup.
I notice that Japan has just launched a solid fuel 3 stage which is orbital capable. Very similar I would suggest although I don't have technical details on that to compare.

[pluto]

Yeah the Epsilon is a pretty cool rocket, I'm not seeing the similarities though?
3 stage solid vs 2 stage liquid, and about 3 times the payload of the Electron.

I'm personally more interested in the Electron though as liquid engines offer so much more versatility than solid, even if they are more hassle. Plus I think Rocketlab are going for different kinds of missions which should be interesting, whereas the Japanese rocket will probably do the kinds of missions already serviced by secondary payloads on larger rockets.