New Zealand Govt. drives investment in the global space sector
Colorado Springs, CO USA: The world’s burgeoning space industry is not centred in Silicon Valley; it's in New Zealand. With rapid advancements and a commitment to innovation, New Zealand has firmly established itself as a leading force in the global space sector.
New Zealand's dedication to space technology is evident, with the government expediting space legislation within a mere nine months to meet and future-proof the industry.
Space Minister Judith Collins, representing the New Zealand government, along with Invest New Zealand, part of New Zealand Trade & Enterprise, attended this month’s prestigious Space Symposium in the United States to showcase the nation's thriving space industry.
Key Highlights of New Zealand’s Space Industry:
Significant Economic Contribution: The space sector contributed $1.69 billion to New Zealand's economy in 2018-19, supporting 12,000 jobs2. This represents 0.27 percent of global space economy revenues, underscoring the sector's growing importance to the national economy.
World-Class Innovations: New Zealand's space industry has seen groundbreaking developments, including signing a space treaty for Moon exploration, establishing the world's first fully private orbital launch ranges3, and designing a photon spacecraft for a Mars mission4.
Unique Launch Conditions: New Zealand’s unparalleled landscapes, clear dark skies, and low air traffic provide ideal launch conditions and some of the best earth observation conditions globally. The world's first fully private orbital launch site is located on the Māhia Peninsula and is capable of an impressive 120 launches a year.
Space Tech Innovations: New Zealand companies, including Zenith Tecnica, Dawn Aerospace, Kea Aerospace, Astrix Astronautics, KiwiStar Optics, and Rocket Lab, are revolutionising the global small satellite industry, making sustainable space travel a reality, and developing technologies for Mars exploration.
Open, Agile, Collaborative Environment: Supported by a modern regulatory framework, New Zealand’s space tech industry encourages innovation and R&D investment, allowing for rapid industry growth. For instance, when an entrepreneur decided to 3D print satellite launch vehicles, a space agency and regulations were promptly established to facilitate this innovative endeavour.
Space Tech for Good: Embodying the New Zealand value of kaitiakitanga, which emphasises care and guardianship for our natural world, the country is committed to developing space technologies that are beneficial for people, the Earth, and the solar system. From rapidly reusable rocket-powered space planes to fuel-free, solar-powered satellite control systems, New Zealand is at the forefront of sustainable space technology.
"Space is of immense strategic importance around the world and New Zealand’s space sector is a force that’s shooting for the stars. And it’s deeply rooted in research and innovation.
Did you know our companies manufacture some of the planet's largest telescope lenses, unveiling the universe's deepest secrets from leading observatories worldwide?
Our innovators are also revolutionising the global small satellite industry, paving the way for sustainable space travel and even testing technology to cultivate food on Mars. " commented Dylan Lawrence, General Manager of NZTE’s Investment team.
“We currently have 27 New Zealand-based companies specialising in the Space sector. We’re proud to support some of the leading businesses in this space, to accelerate their growth and ultimately, success,” Lawrence continues.
James Powell, Co-founder of Dawn Aerospace comments, “The New Zealand space sector is breaking barriers, and we're thrilled to drive innovation in revolutionising space transportation. Investment fuels our R&D and accelerates growth. We're at the Space Symposium with Invest New Zealand, aiming to turn these connections into investment opportunities.”
New Zealand's participation in the U.S. Space Symposium serves as a testament to its rapid ascent in the global space industry and its dedication to shaping the future of space exploration and technology. With its agile space agency, culture of innovation, and commitment to sustainability, New Zealand is poised to continue its journey as a prominent player in the fast-growing space sector
If you would like to learn more about investment opportunities in the Space sector you can learn more here.
If you are a New Zealand company looking to raise capital to take your innovation to the world learn more here.