Rocket Lab’s off to Mars-Sir Peter Beck

As Rocket Lab makes history shipping twin spacecraft for NASA’s Mars mission, we catch up with company founder and CEO Sir Peter Beck.
Our conversation at Rocket Lab’s Auckland site, follows a June-quarter revenue jump of 70%, and is in anticipation of its Neutron rocket launch in 2025, which the company says will end the SpaceX monopoly for medium launch vehicles.
Find out why Rocket Lab is actually an infrastructure company, how it builds for interplanetary research (think the Red Planet) faster and cheaper, and the state of the space industry. Plus what does Sir Peter like to invest in?
Drink bottle giveaway completed! T&Cs:
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Part two of this interview will be coming on Monday featuring questions direct from Sharesies Rocket Lab investors and a walk about of the Rocket Lab Auckland site.
For more or to follow the podcast-check out linktr.ee/share...
Appearance on Shared Lunch is not an endorsement by Sharesies of the views of the presenters, guests, or the entities they represent. Their views are their own. Shared Lunch is not financial advice. We recommend talking to a licensed financial adviser. You should review relevant product disclosure

[@rikkafe6050]

Seen many interviews with Peter Beck, he deserves to be Sir. Always so thoughtful and amiable.

[@robertruschak7083]

Why not King 🤴

[@Seriouslydave]

I admire any successful kiwi, but they just throw out knighthoods like crazy.

[@GntlTch]

@@robertruschak7083 It would be boring! There's no adventure in being a king.

[@TroyDandoFishing]

I took away - Its easier to start a 10 billion dollar company than get a job working for NASA with no quals! That is pure Kiwi right there. Well done Sir Peter and thanks for another great Sharesies podcast.

[@rogwhite9866]

Great interview. Loved how Sir Peter helped the interviewer get to the right question without putting him down

[@SweetNectorOfTheGod]

Peter really is an inspireing chap. Had a drram from the start. Didnt let barriers stop him. An example to many

[@rayngmelb]

That's why people like me actually willing to invest in his company, he actually makes the impossible possible.

[@TT-tn1dp]

Inspiring words … “the same amount of work to build a $10 million company as it is to build a $10 billion company”

[@Lucifer_12888]

Having Sir Peter Beck and his Great Team on board Rocket Lab, this Rocket is going to fly a lot higher than what most people have thought, Cheers 🎉🎉🎉

[@SweetNectorOfTheGod]

What a champ. Actually both of you. Representing aotearoa across the world. Legends!!

[@elainenelson476]

I really liked that he said the more he learns the more he realizes that he has a lot to learn {Paraphrasing}. a new shareholder in this company. Great interview thanks

[@kellymetz2535]

Thanks for video Sharesies. Sir Peter Beck is a lovely man, so knowledgeable, a hard worker, forward thinking, compassionate to retail. Exciting to see Rocket Lab advancements and successes. Super cool.

[@gavMe-q7g]

The vision Sir Peter Beck has for rocket lab is multi-generational and will hopefully inspire and create new innovations which will only benefit humanity I'm proud to be a kiwi 😊😊

[@crafty101]

Well done Sir Peter and all those hard working individuals at Rocket Lab along with all your amazing supporters. I learnt that my first investment in the stock market is certainly going up.

[@kiwi_welltraveled4375]

What I learned from this excellent interview is that I've made a very sound investment! Sir Peter is a very rare individual, intelligent, modest, coupled with outstanding communication skills. A genuine, honest person who inspires others by example. Leave, Same or Better, Everything Be Kind ☮️🙋🏻‍♂️

[@spongerob72]

I thought that was a great interview. Thanks! I learned that you can actually insure a 🚀. I did not know that.

[@Sharesies]

Hi Spongerob72 - congrats! send us an email ([e-mail]) and we'll get you a drink bottle!

[@spongerob72]

@@Sharesies thanks!! Email incoming!

[@MADMAT666]

Awesome stuff Sir Peter and Rocket Lab Team. Exciting stuff, can't wait for the Neutron rocket launch in 2025. Always great to learn more about the company and future direction.

[@Modernlove88]

Very cool. I didn't know Peter Beck was now a Sir, I also learnt about the Neutron Rocket. I might have to buy some Rocket Lab shares! :)

[@mt-qc2qh]

Being a space enthusiast since the early Mecury days... (yes, I'm 71), I've followed RocketLab since its beginning and I'm amazed at the achievements of Sir Peter and his engineering staff. Being that they are not only a launch provider, but also satellite designer and builder makes RL a total package for the worldwide market. Great interview.

[@Ninja8914]

Great interview! It is always interesting to learn about Sir Peter Becks take on different aspects of the space industry. My perspective on Rocket Lab has shifted from a speculative success to a real company doing real business.

[@MrDschubba]

Enjoy how up front and candid Peter is in these interviews

[@RealMattMoney]

I appreciate Sir Peter guiding us through the industry and upcoming details we should be expecting to see unveiled over the next few years.

[@heidiwynn]

What a remarkable, inspiring man, Sir Peter Beck.

[@colinboniface194]

First rule in setting up a business... Always identify what market you want to be in ... second rule... Taylor your product to that market... Great interview...

[@janezelliott581]

I learned from Peter Beck how space industries are insulated from any nature or economic problems so definitely worth investing in space companies. I am encouraged to keep investing in rocket labs 😊

[@davidtaylor104]

I learnt that Sir Peter doesn't want to go to space, which sorta makes me happy and that I better start getting some better after-work hobbies if I'm to apply for a job. But great podcast. My first!!

[@Othello379]

Concerning the drink bottle giveaway I’ve learned that the spacecraft reaching mars is planned to execute preprogrammed commands to conduct its research due to a delay of up to 20 minutes. Interesting episode!

[@Rocketgoespewpew]

I learnt how RocketLab claims 100% of cost upon ignition. Crazy. Good episode and go Peter!

[@dongraham4760]

Rocket Lab and all rocket companies do not guarantee success in a mission , they can't ! Rockets are slow motion bombs and have to be treated as such. Thats why the only thing that is guaranteed is that the engines will actually fire on the launch pad , thats all !!

[@lionheart93]

from minute 28+ is just pure wisdom for future engineers and business men...actually for all of us even investors on risk

[@SanctuaryLife]

Congratulations on being Knighted Peter, you're one of a kind.

[@Antoine3688]

Great interview! I've learnt to never stop tinkering and to not take risks without understanding what could go wrong. That's an important one for the garage experiments!

[@keagang10]

Thanks Sharesies! I was impressed by the way Sir Peter Beck is actively manoeuvring RKLB to become the major competitor to Space X and that there is massive market share to be gained in the medium launch space.

[@samhadley8836]

Love hearing from Sir Peter, always a great listen. Loved the analogy of being the best house in a bad neighbourhood. Also how he couldn’t get into NASA so the obvious next step was to create Rocket Lab. Love it!

[@quebrandofronteiras]

Very inspiring conversation on the future of space industry. Peter is definitely an inspiring human being.

[@BHO-U812]

Really great interview with an extraordinary individual, more great Sharesies content.

[@FionaMason-y2b]

Great interview and great company! Loved hearing about the neutron rocket!

[@garybondurant8097]

Great interview with Mr. Beck. Love the fact that Rocket Lab is vertically integrated, methodical and pragmatic in their approach to rockets and spacecraft. Started laughing when Peter was explaining how they were using bits, pieces and parts laying around to "nickel and dime" weekend shade tree engineering spacecraft, destined for Venus. Happy to invest in $RKLB 🤪🤪

[@MartinR_NZ]

Brilliant - thanks guys!

[@gavMe-q7g]

Sir Peter beck his started a multi-generational company one that will hopefully innovate and inspire humanity both to reach for the stars and improve life on Earth I'm proud to be a kiwi 😊😊

[@davidliddiard1515]

Thanks for the insight here. Great to see ingenuity at its finest. Lesson learnt: the ricketcobtrols everything from t-minus 10 to probe departure in space. Incredible technology 🤯

[@kylebecker9673]

This was a really great interview.

[@JamesWNZ-n9f]

The horizon of an end-to-end space company, fiscally responsible, the future is looking bright I'd say!

[@GalaxyLoOP_98]

Thanks for a great interview. I have seen tons of SPB interviews, but this managed to give some new insight and clarity!

[@winterwolfsong]

Great interview. I follow rocket lab news so already knew most of this but never knew there were insurance companies for rockets.

[@keithbuzzlightyear77]

Very interesting insights. Thank you Sharesies. (and the rocketLab bottle in advance)

[@matt_hollands]

Wow, amazing to hear about all that they do and plan to do. Looking forward to following Neutrons progress!

[@free8428]

Big rocket lab investor - love this company. Love their water bottles - only independent rocket launch site in Mahia! And I love nights and weekends project building a probe for Venus! Wish you had asked what companies he thinks can go to a billion in NZ

[@kiwi_physics]

Great interview. Until this interview, I didnt realize how much of Rocket Lab's revenue stream is outside of launches (with their space systems). Really exciting NZ company with a huge future. Cheers

[@Sharesies]

Hi Matthew, thanks for watching - send us an email ([e-mail]) and we'll be in touch with a drink bottle!

[@nickfutter6544]

Great interview. Very good job

[@mikeheyburn9716]

Thanks as always SPB.

[@robo4745]

Great interview- I learned heaps about space craft insurance industry. I also learned that RL are aiming to keep their second stage of neutron so cheap and light that it doesn’t matter too much economically that it is expendable! Great design choice. Peter and RL seem to be really good at optimising and innovating rather than just following what others are doing.

[@Perupj2]

This guys so smart he reminds me alittle bit off elon musk he grew up as alittle kid playing and building rockets in his back yard these guys always go all the way it's there life there passion there dream they always find away to get it done the childhood dreamers change the world for all of us well done sir 👍

[@robertschinske1287]

Best pod I've seen since Elon walked around SpaceX, learned about insurance and built-in revenue regardless of in-flight performance (post-ignition) that RKLB instilled. Thx

[@kathleengreer8697]

Inspiring - thank you, can't wait to see what's next.

[@electricbazza]

Interesting to note how much of their revenue isn't launch, and that so much value is captured ahead of launch. Clever business model Sir Pete!

[@eyoutube1]

Every time I hear Peter, I want to keep buying more shares of RKLB.

[@DerekBoston-s6w]

I always thought that if a rocket blew up in flight then it was "game over" for RKLB from a financial perspective. Apparently not! I found it most interesting to learn that a client's Launch Contract pays out 100% of cost to RKLB once the rocket engine achieves 1st ignition.

[@SanctuaryLife]

Peter, you make me proud to welcome New Zealand as the 9th state / territory of Australia.

[@BrynHetrick]

Peter Beck is an amazing New Zealander. Very happy investor here. Would love a drink bottle

[@Sharesies]

Hi Bryn, we have a drink bottle for you - send us an email ([e-mail]) thanks!

[@BrynHetrick]

@@Sharesies Thank you very much. I love the drink bottle. Perfect for my rocket fuel ⛽️

[@andymcconchie3904]

Great interview, the most interesting thing I learnt was that Peter looks for people who are so passionate about what they do, that they do it on the weekend… building stuff.

[@wasp586]

What is that documentary they were discussing around 19:20 ?

[@Sharesies]

Wild Wild Space: kzbin.info/www/bejne/h2aTlXSfgKdnoqs

[@wasp586]

@@Sharesies Thanks!!

[@mikehoulding5821]

Wow! So good to hear positive news, $100 million/quarter and a far reaching vision.

[@danygauthier605]

Good info about why they choose a partial reusable compare to starship

[@H-S.]

I did not realize that partial reuse and full reuse are actually that comparable. But given what the 2nd stage has to endure during re-entry, it makes sense that the recovery and refurbishment may turn out to be more expensive than just churning out cheap 2nd stages on a production line...

[@Krasinski1]

90-95% reusable is still 3-5million wasted, what he didn't state is that most of that cost is in the second stage engine. And while 5-10% doesn't seem like much, imagine if 5-10% of a 737 aircraft was wasted every flight.

[@H-S.]

@@Krasinski1 Hmm, good point on the engines, these are certainly not trivial and cheap to make, no matter how you look at it. Though I'm wondering if eventually 2nd stages will be where end-of-life 1st stage engines go to die: just replace the nozzle with a vacuum-optimized one and send it off for one last journey before it gets too old to fly... That way, a big portion of the 2nd stage cost could be amortized through the reuse that happens on the 1st stage.

[@Krasinski1]

@H-S. it would take 9 launches to replace all 9 first stage engines and neutron is planned between 10-30 launches so I doubt it, not to mention they'd be using a new engine for 9 consecutive launches significantly increasing the risk of losing a vehicle.

[@paulcarter7445]

@@Krasinski1 Refurbishment of second stages is likely to be extremely costly, given that they have to survive de-orbit from full orbital velocity and be able to repeat the exercise. Sometimes it's much cheaper to build new - the space shuttle suffered from this problem, it had to be rebuilt after every launch.

[@braydeny]

Hes really tuning rklb public awareness strategy as well

[@ChristopherLecky]

By comparing historical projects and their impact on the population at the time, we can gain valuable insights into what might be required to classify a modern project as having a "planetary trajectory." A scale of 3 to 5 percent of the global population seems to be a reasonable threshold based on these comparisons. This also emphasizes the immense scale and coordination required for a project to have a truly global impact today, given the much larger population. Whether it's addressing climate change, exploring space, or implementing sustainable technologies, reaching this level of engagement would signify a significant commitment from humanity as a whole. this is a powerful way to conceptualize the scale of effort and resources needed to tackle the challenges or opportunities that could define the future of our planet.

[@kartiktrivedi188]

Knowledgeable interview

[@pegasusted2504]

Great. Thanks

[@FirstAmendmentAudits]

8:13 38% of all space craft had a rocket lab logo? 7:00

[@Theracersbank]

From 7:16 to 8 is going to make a lot of us rich when the word gets out.

[@HenryGers]

Watched Madisons interview right before this commentary. It's all positive momentum innit?

[@jasonbutton3342]

I liked that he’s also from Invercargill, and is doing well investing in local and overseas companies

[@marsspacex6065]

Lets hope New Glenn succeeds in its first flight and is actually ready for this Mars launch window. Chance of a successful launch probably around 50%

[@GntlTch]

I think you're great, sir Peter, but WTF!!! You claim that [22:43] "electron alone accounts for 64% of all United States launch" ??? By what measure? The Falcon 9 has already launched over 100 times this year compared to electron's 3(?) and with payloads about 100 times the payloads of the electron. What strange math are you using?

[@Ra-mx4bo]

64% of all small launch a market, Falcon is big launch market.

[@300-t9z]

Peter beck is Amazing RocketLab 🚀 a top company

[@aldunlop4622]

I'd like to know if Pete has any plans for manned space flight.

[@biggertigger]

Today I learned that, as a non-US citizen without a university degree, it is easier to build your own rockets than to get a job at NASA. 🙂

[@zebh9755]

Looks good

[@piratescoron]

Thank goodness, Peter Beck was interesting, because the interviewer sound about as interested in the project as he is in watching paint dry

[@Goldencomments803]

Love his vision but doesn’t the falcon land in a designated place for faster usability

[@Chris.Davies]

What is this weird sensation? No... It couldn't be. Could it? Holy Emotional Response - it's "Pride in being Kiwi!"

[@JoesephBloggs]

Great news that Pete mentioned that he'd much prefer to start a company worth $10bn rather than $10mn. There is plenty of runway for RKLB to get to that $10bn valuation in the coming years. Great interview👏

[@paintedpony2935]

'Pete? Really? Show some respect!

[@JoesephBloggs]

​@@paintedpony2935Sir Pete😂

[@Jake-sj4oj]

Awesome

[@MichaKuhn]

I learned about the difference in its businessmodel compared to spacex

[@bullionsations]

I really wish RKLB would buy Dream Chaser SMC for cargo and human launches. This would give Rocket LAB both public and private investments.

[@robwalton2114]

I’m very optimistic about Rocket Lab’s future progress & profitably; keep up the great work!

[@Dake503]

I learnt that Neutron will be able to lift to orbit 13 tons of payload.

[@rorymcgibbon7533]

Wow 20% of spacecraft orbiting mars will have a Rocket Lab logo once Blue and Gold arrive.

[@HypaWave1701]

Hand out some $RKLB sharesies. Na kidding... unless you will then not kidding.

[@FranciscoRamirez-gb6zc]

I recognize that logo

[@OuterSpaceDogs]

Question of the Year: is there a Neutron Heavy? Where we strap 2 Rockets and lift 25 Tons.

[@SkitchCoNz]

Counting backwards from 10 is hard when keeping an eye on everything for launch. Great interview cheers

[@radomone]

im invested in rocketlab, about to put a few hundred more into their stock.

[@FirstAmendmentAudits]

Come back to 3:44

[@KillerGeek01]

That the rocket is the third most launched rocket in the world

[@peterarmstrong8613]

I’m lov’n being a RKLB 5000 share investor in this exciting company. Onward and upward Sir Pete.

[@adlernz1]

this company has a fantastic future

[@kiwilonewolf]

I love his hiring policy - oh look, you have a CV... but tell me what you do in your spare time. What are you working on and what have you built? Brilliant! Yes you need engineers but you need problem solvers too.

[@tim2muntu954]

The goal? To work for NASA. Well Peter, you're working for NASA! A real NZ way to go about it....

[@STSKSP]

I wonder how many small investors there are in rocketlab. Like under1k in value. Im in for $80 just to say I did.

[@Seriouslydave]

Who cares about mars, it takes thousands if not millions of years to terraform a planet

[@sorensoul]

*ASI has entered the chat*

[@felixkogan2946]

Space Hobbits! -- Cohen the Barbarian

[@jasonbuksh2958]

It seems their business model is let Space x trail blaze and do the hard work , we’ll trail and commercial on the back of them - it’s not a bad model … a bit Chinese though. It’s hard not to like Peter

[@Jake-sj4oj]

Get rocket lab to use Bitcoins for transactions with Space X