Three new trans-Tasman space projects have secured up to $5.3 million in funding to advance satellite technology with applications ranging from maritime awareness to agriculture and secure communications.
Space Minister Judith Collins said the funding marked the second stage of support for projects that had already demonstrated strong potential during feasibility studies. “By building advanced space capabilities, creating new commercial opportunities and strengthening international competitiveness, these projects will boost our economies, bring New Zealand and Australia closer together and accelerate aerospace innovation,” she said.
Science, Innovation and Technology Minister Dr Shane Reti said the initiatives reflected the government’s reforms to New Zealand’s science and innovation system. “By pooling expertise and resources with our Australian partners, we’re not only tackling shared challenges but also opening new opportunities for growth and technological advancement,” he said.
The projects, funded through New Zealand’s Catalyst Fund and matched by Australian support, include:
- Monitoring the Southern Indo-Pacific from Space – The Takehē Mission: A joint effort by Restore Lab Ltd and SmartSat CRC to enhance maritime domain awareness.
- Satellite Sensing in Agricultural Practices: A collaboration between the University of Canterbury and University of Newcastle to develop global soil moisture monitoring for better water efficiency and drought resilience.
- Governance and Management of a Network of Free-Space Optical Communication Nodes: A project led by the University of Auckland and University of South Australia to create a trans-Tasman optical communications network for high-speed satellite data transfer.
Collins said the projects would help build capability, support the economy and protect national interests, while strengthening collaboration between New Zealand and Australia in the growing space sector.
Lying like Israel while building skynet. For our safety and security, yeah right.
The Clown World becomes the Clown Solar System.
Space Oddity
https://my.mail.ru/music/search/David%20Bowie%20%20Space%20Oddity
Don’t say it in Russian
I can just see Judith doing a space walk
Leaving the airlock
Having a whale of a good time
Can a rhinoceros ass get through an air lock?
Reminds me of the old Leyland Hippo
Building a surveillance network which I’m sure is for wholly for “benign” purposes and making us pay for it. As per usual. Meanwhile more practical concerns, like local healthcare and education, get “overlooked”.
Kiwis can’t afford petrol and butter but let’s play space invaders!
Kiwis have been spied in for years
The Five Eyes alliance—which includes New Zealand, the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, and Australia—does have the capability to surveil New Zealanders, and in some cases, it has done so
GCSB (Government Communications Security Bureau) is New Zealand’s intelligence agency and a full partner in Five Eyes
It operates the Waihopai spy base, which intercepts satellite communications across the Pacific
Edward Snowden’s leaks revealed that New Zealand contributes data to NSA systems like XKEYSCORE, which can search emails, browsing history, and metadata—even of New Zealand citizens
Nicky Hager’s book “Secret Power” and later reporting showed that GCSB has collected data on New Zealanders, especially when they communicate with foreign targets or use global platforms
GCSB is legally barred from spying on New Zealand citizens or residents without a warrant
However, metadata sharing and foreign collection can bypass these restrictions
For example, if the NSA collects data on a Kiwi, it can be shared back with GCSB
The Intelligence and Security Act 2017 introduced tighter oversight, but critics argue it still allows broad surveillance under the guise of national security
https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/67082905/snowden-files-inside-waihopais-domes
https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/on-the-inside/512851/hager-spy-system-hosted-by-gcsb-likely-to-be-one-used-in-capture-kill-operations
https://www.greenleft.org.au/2015/1045/world/documents-shine-light-shadowy-new-zealand-surveillance-base
Black Birch Observatory was used to calculate and to program the coordinates of Polaris submarine based missiles – under the guise and ruse of a scientific endeavor
Fill Your nostrils with the decaying decadent stench (including chem trails) of what the sheeple call democracy and where Your votes counts and that You really can change things!
Which is a figment of the imagination
Pure unadulterated BS
In the meantime the show must go on
All roads lead to Apocalypse Revelation – the Holy City New Jerusalem and the First Resurrection