Planetary Radio • Apr 17, 2026

Book Club Edition: Founder and CEO Peter Beck on The Launch of Rocket Lab

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On This Episode

Peter beck portrait

Sir Peter Beck

CEO and Founder of Rocket Lab

Kaplan mat headshot 0114a print

Mat Kaplan

Senior Communications Adviser and former Host of Planetary Radio for The Planetary Society

He built a rocket-powered bike when he was a kid. Now he leads the company that has made New Zealand number three among nations that launch big rockets, following the United States and China. Sir Peter Beck joins us for a deeply revealing and entertaining conversation about “The Launch of Rocket Lab,” the beautiful book that tells his and Rocket Lab's inspiring story. His dedication to advancing planetary science missions will make members of The Planetary Society proud!

The Launch of Rocket Lab
The Launch of Rocket Lab Book cover art for "The Launch of Rocket Lab" by Peter Griffin with and introduction by Sir Peter Beck.Image: Rocket Lab
Rocket Lab founder and CEO Sir Peter Beck
Rocket Lab founder and CEO Sir Peter Beck Image: Rocket Lab
Rocket Lab Electron launch
Rocket Lab Electron launch A Rocket Lab Electron heads for low-Earth orbit.Image: Rocket Lab
Rocket Lab Launch Complex 1
Rocket Lab Launch Complex 1 Rocket Lab’s Launch Complex 1 is located on New Zealand’s beautiful Māhia Peninsula.Image: Rocket Lab