Rocket Lab -- a US company with a subsidiary in New Zealand -- successfully launched a test craft into space from its launch site on New Zealand's North Island on Thursday. 

The rocket, called Electron, blasted off from the company's site at Mahia on the east coast of North Island. Local media said it was the world's first successful launch from a private site, marking a new step towards private enterprise carrying small satellites and other cargo into space. 

It's the first of three planned tests before Rocket Lab begins offering commercial satellite services to customers.