- Hon Chris Penk
Space Minister Chris Penk has today announced the successful recipient of round two of the Kiwi Space Activator pilot programme, which is helping launch innovative Kiwi space technology.
"New Zealand's space sector is growing rapidly, creating high-value jobs and attracting international investment. We're supporting that to help Kiwi businesses and researchers turn bold ideas into real technologies that can benefit our economy, environment, and everyday lives," Mr Penk says.
"Through round two of the Kiwi Space Activator pilot programme, the University of Auckland has been awarded $300,000 for its Rakiraki CubeSat project.
"The Kiwi Space Activator supports New Zealand innovators to move new space technology and concepts from the lab to launch - whether in space or at high altitude. This is a key step in building our sovereign space capability.
"The pilot programme is enabling local innovations, helping to support commercialisation, improve access to global markets, and build a proven track record.
"Rakiraki is a small New Zealand satellite mission working to be a trusted reference point for both radar and optical space tracking networks at the same time.
"The project aims to help improve our ability to track and understand objects in space, helping to protect the satellite services that New Zealanders rely on every day, from GPS navigation to communications and emergency response."
The University of Auckland will build and fly the satellite with support from Auckland University of Technology, while Space Operations New Zealand will provide ground station services.
"Developing and commercialising space technology is capital intensive and high risk, and having a proven track record - or flight heritage - is critical for attracting customers and investors.
"It has been encouraging to see the large number of high-calibre applications - they reflect the quality of space innovation in New Zealand.
"A total of $1.78 million has been awarded to the Kiwi Space Activator including funding awarded to four projects across rounds one and two. These are exciting projects, and I look forward to watching their progress and launch."
Information about Kiwi Space Activator is available on the MBIE website: https://www.mbie.govt.nz/science-and-technology/space/industry-and-innovation/kiwi-space-activator
