How much does NZ spend on space?

New Zealand’s departmental space budget for 2018-19 was NZD $3.8 million and MBIE spent a further $6.02 million in 2018-19 supporting space science research.

What is Rocket Lab NZ?

Rocket Lab’s mission is to remove the barriers to commercial space by providing frequent launch opportunities to low Earth orbit.

Where is the NZ space agency?

Wellington WELLINGTON
New Zealand Space Agency

Is it illegal to launch something into space?

The answer is yes in principle you can. However, The Outer Space Treaty essentially makes each nation responsible for what is launched under their flag, so you would need to find a nation that you could persuade to allow you to launch under their flag.

Why is NZ a good place to launch satellites?

There’s very little marine and air traffic, and a wide range of launch angles. All of that adds up to make a launch site than can support frequent launches, making it easier than ever before for small satellites to get to space.

Does New Zealand have a space force?

The New Zealand Space Agency regulates launch vehicles reaching outer space, launch facilities, high-altitude vehicles and payloads such as satellites through licences and permits.

Will a Rocket Lab succeed?

Rocket Lab has successfully recovered the first-stage booster twice in its history — the only other company besides SpaceX to achieve reusability. The first successful recovery took place November 2020 and then again in May 2021, though that latter mission resulted in the destruction of the payload.

Is Rocket Lab a US company?

Rocket Lab is an American company with a subsidiary and head office in Auckland, New Zealand. Rocket Lab was the first private company to reach space in the southern hemisphere in 2009 with its Atea 1 suborbital sounding rocket.

How has Aotearoa New Zealand been involved in the space industry?

In the last few weeks New Zealand has signed a space treaty over Moon exploration and resources, a Canterbury spit has been announced as a rocket launch base and Rocket Lab has been tasked with designing two photon spacecraft for a 2024 scientific mission to Mars.

Why is there so much smoke when a rocket launches?

This occurs when cryogenic boosters are used (Liquid Oxygen / Liquid Hydrogen) – as these warm up on the launch pad, some of the liquids boil and to release pressure, bleeder valves allow this gas to escape. If it remained within the boosters, there is a risk of the pressure blowing seals or damaging other components.

What are the regulations for outer space launch in NZ?

Minister Steven Joyce announces regulations and agreement with the US on outer space. All launches must have a license and payload permit from the launch facility which can last up to five years. The Minister may revoke or suspend these. New Zealanders must also apply for launch licenses outside of New Zealand.

Why did rocketrocket lab choose New Zealand?

Rocket Lab recognised that New Zealand offered an attractive location for space launch activities, due to the innovation-friendly business environment, strong science and research, and development system, skilled workforce and suitably remote geography (including low volumes of air, and sea traffic).

Where is the best place to learn Rocket Science in NZ?

University of Canterbury group UC Aerospace is the place to be right now if you are a budding rocket scientist. Their founding members including NZRA member Jack Davies are running a high energy organisation that has helped 14 teams build level 1 1/4 Patriot rockets and launch them with 100\% success rate.

Is New Zealand’s space industry gaining momentum?

New Zealand’s role in outer space is gaining momentum, bringing increased opportunities. Rocket Lab, a United States of America corporation with a subsidiary in New Zealand, is the main commercial player in New Zealand’s emerging space industry.