Our first successful rocket launch is being labelled phenomenal.

Rocket Lab's electron rocket, which launched yesterday afternoon, made it into space, but not orbit.

Project manager of the Space Systems Programme at Auckland University Jim Hefkey told Nadine Higgins you only have to look at the internet to see that many rockets explode on their first attempt at launch.

"If you look at Spacex for example, they blew up their first three rockets. Our's didn't blow up. I think that's fantastic."

Mr Hefkey said the fact the launch was a success is a huge deal.

"The world's been watching this. It's just going to be the start of something fantastic here, I think."

LISTEN ABOVE AS AUCKLAND UNIVERSITY'S JIM HEFKEY SPEAKS TO NADINE HIGGINS ON EARLY EDITION

Astronomer Grant Christie said the company's innovation puts us on the map and promises a bright future in space satellites.

He says the next step will be using the launch site to boost a number of small satellites into orbit.

"It's breaking new ground, I think. From that launch site [they can] put satellites into a very wide range of different orbits, so that gives them a particular advantage."

Mr Christie said a range of electronics can be packed into small satellites, giving them endless possibilities.

"That sort of satellite could be used to provide cheap wifi. It could be used for earth monitoring, so important for our agriculture and that of other counties."

Rocket Lab says it'll be looking into why it didn't reach orbit, but it said reaching space in the first place, puts the company in a good position.

It said there was a good first stage burn, separation, second stage ignition and fairing separation.

The launch yesterday was one of three planned for this year - Rocket Lab will now try to get into orbit at the next test.