Ground-based space infrastructure

New Zealand is committed to the safe, secure and responsible use of space. The Government is managing the risks posed by GBSI by introducing a bill in 2025 for a new regulatory regime covering new and existing infrastructure.

GBSI functions include: 

• carrying out telemetry, tracking and control of spacecraft
• space surveillance
• upload and download of data from spacecraft.

GBSI presents important commercial and defence opportunities for New Zealand. However, it could also be used to facilitate activities that may harm our national security or are contrary to our national interests.

The new regulatory regime will only capture GBSI that pose risks to New Zealand’s national security and broader national interests. The new regulatory requirements will apply to existing ground station operators as well as those wishing to establish in the future.

The new regime will not capture widespread, consumer-oriented products such as: 

• household satellite receiver dishes
• domestic satellite broadband terminals
• cell phones
• GPS trackers and personal locator beacons.

Upon the regime’s introduction, MBIE will release guidance material for organisations operating or wishing to establish GBSI in New Zealand.

More broadly, companies can take steps now to mitigate security risks. Recently released guidance on how to protect critical assets is available to support the industry to keep themselves safe.

For enquiries, please contact: nzspaceagency@mbie.govt.nz