Our regulatory regime

The Act

The Outer Space and High-altitude Activities Act 2017 (the Act) regulates launches into outer space, launch facilities, high-altitude vehicles (HAVs), and payloads. It is administered by the New Zealand Space Agency within the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment.

The Act describes when licences and permits are required, how they are issued, and what conditions they may include. It explains the purposes of regulation in this area, including facilitating the development of a space sector, ensuring safe and secure operations, implementing international obligations, managing liability, and preserving national security and national interests.

To see the Act and other documents regarding its origins and its continued evolution, see below:

Outer Space and High-altitude Activities Act 2017(external link) — New Zealand Legislation

Outer Space and High Activities Bill(external link) — New Zealand Legislation

NZ Space Policy Review Consultation (closed)

The Regulations

The Outer Space and High-altitude Activities (Licences and Permits) Regulations 2017 (the Regulations) set out the requirements for various licences and permits.

The regulations identify the detailed information required of all applicants, as well as the specific information that is required for each licence or permit type.

There is another set of regulations that clarifies which vehicles are considered HAVs. This is called the Outer Space and High-altitude Activities (Definition of High-altitude Vehicle) Regulations 2017.

Outer Space and High-altitude Activities (Licences and Permits) Regulations 2017(external link) — New Zealand Legislation

Outer Space and High-altitude Activities (Definition of High-altitude Vehicle) Regulations 2017(external link)— New Zealand Legislation

Further guidance

The New Zealand Space Agency provides guidance about the information that is needed for certain licenced or permitted activities.

Guidance is available on these topics: