Space Minister, Chris Penk, has announced the successful recipient of round two of the Kiwi Space Activator pilot programme.
Through round two, the University of Auckland has been awarded $300,000 for its Rakiraki CubeSat project.
The Rakiraki project aims to help improve New Zealand’s ability to track and understand objects in space, helping to protect the satellite services that Kiwis rely on every day, from GPS navigation to communications and emergency response.
As part of the project, the University will build and fly the satellite with support from Auckland University of Technology, while Space Operations New Zealand will provide ground station services.
“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.
“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.”
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.
