The New Zealand space sector is set to star in NASA’s CAPSTONE moon mission – with Rocket Lab launching a satellite to the Moon from New Zealand in June, and the lift-off of a separate NASA-NZ lunar research project, New Zealand Space Agency Manager Andrew Johnson says.

The Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment has today released a report into the operation and effectiveness of New Zealand’s space regulatory regime. A review of the Outer Space and High-Altitude Activities Act (OSHAA Act) was required by law after it had been in place for 3 years.

16 new projects will receive funding worth $4 million over the next 2 years through the 10th investment round of the Te Pūnaha Hihiko: Vision Mātauranga Capability Fund (VMCF) 2022.

New Zealand company Pyper Vision has been announced as the latest industry partner in the Airspace Integration Trails programme.

New Zealand is continuing to support the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI), with a $10 million pledge announced. CEPI is aimed at ending global pandemics, and has a 5-year plan that aims to strengthen the global system for pandemic response and preparedness.

The Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment has launched formal Exploratory Talks between Aotearoa New Zealand and the European Union on joining Horizon Europe.

The Institute of Environmental Science and Research (ESR) and the University of Otago are joint co-hosts of the Infectious Diseases Research Platform announced by the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE).

The Ministry of Business, Innovation & Employment, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs & Trade, Ministry of Primary Industries, Antarctic New Zealand, and the Department of Conservation are pleased to announce new, refreshed, and modern priorities, for New Zealand’s Antarctic and Southern Ocean research under the main theme of global change.