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As the global space industry continues to evolve, New Zealand is positioning itself as a top destination for space-related businesses.
At the 39th Space Symposium held in Colorado Springs, April 2024, Science, Innovation and Technology Minister Hon. Judith Collins articulated the unique advantages that New Zealand offers to the space sector. The symposium, one of the largest space events in the world, attracts 10,000 business and government representatives, highlighting the importance of New Zealand’s message on this international stage.
“Because we’re at the bottom of the world there are advantages to that. One of them is we don’t have any near neighbours, so when a rocket’s launching from New Zealand no-one thinks we’re about to declare war,” says Judith.
This unique geographical advantage is just one of the many reasons New Zealand is emerging as a significant player in the space industry.
Andrew Johnson, deputy head of the New Zealand Space Agency, elaborated on the country’s appeal for space-related businesses: “New Zealand is an attractive place for space-related business. We are a trusted and responsible space partner, demonstrated by the success of Rocket Lab’s launch operations here.”
“We have a nimble regulatory regime that keeps pace with innovation and supports the safe and responsible use of space. Our other advantages include modern infrastructure, a skilled workforce, direct flights to key markets, and of course, our natural geography.”
He says New Zealand’s location provides clear skies and seas, offering frequent launch windows. The country is also a crucial site for ground-based space infrastructure, hosting installations that downlink satellite data, track objects in space, and help maintain the accuracy of systems like GPS. In addition New Zealand aids in calibrating and validating data from Earth-observing satellites.
“With Rocket Lab’s private launch facility on Mahia Peninsula, New Zealand is one of only a small number of countries with space launch capabilities – in fact, we are the fourth busiest launch country in the world.” says Andrew.
This capability sets New Zealand apart as a key player in the global space race.
Beyond rocket launches, New Zealand boasts expertise across a diverse range of the space sector – including research and development, manufacturing, monitoring space debris, testing vehicles, and using satellites to observe the Earth. These strengths make New Zealand a comprehensive hub for various space-related activities.
New Zealand also benefits from strong international partnerships with entities such as NASA, the German Aerospace Center DLR, and commercial US company Axiom Space. More recently, New Zealand has collaborated with Australia’s SmartSat Collaborative Research Centre.
“These research collaborations are supported by strong relationships with our international counterparts, including agreements with the U.S. on technology safeguards and regulatory systems.” says Andrew.
