Topics announced for NZ-NASA collaborative research

Later this year, New Zealand researchers will be invited to submit proposals for earth observation projects. New Zealand will also look for opportunities to contribute to Artemis, NASA’s programme to return humans to the Moon in 2024, and to explore Mars and beyond.

These projects will be funded under the government’s Catalyst Fund’s $9 million allocation for international research partnerships with NASA.

NASA’s Administrator Bill Nelson and Deputy Administrator Pam Melroy are in New Zealand this week, exploring Aotearoa New Zealand’s growing space science and research capabilities.

Working more closely with NASA will enable New Zealand to undertake globally important research and contribute to the future of space exploration.

Earth observation areas of mutual interest include extreme weather events and impacts; water and climate monitoring; environmental monitoring (from the South Pacific to Antarctica); and biodiversity. These issues can be monitored on a global scale when observed from space.

Exploring how New Zealand can be involved in the Artemis Program will enable us to draw on and support existing strengths within the New Zealand space research community and help inspire young New Zealanders to be active participants in the ‘Artemis generation’.

The Catalyst Fund supports activities that initiate, develop and foster collaborations which take advantage of international science and innovation for New Zealand’s benefit.