The University of Auckland has secured $300,000 in Government funding to advance a satellite project aimed at improving the tracking of objects in space and strengthening New Zealand’s growing space technology sector.
Space Minister Chris Penk announced the funding as part of the second round of the Kiwi Space Activator pilot programme, which supports the development and commercialisation of locally developed space technologies.
The funding will support the University of Auckland’s Rakiraki CubeSat project, a small satellite mission designed to serve as a reference point for both radar and optical space tracking networks. The project is intended to improve the monitoring and understanding of objects in orbit, helping safeguard satellite services relied upon for GPS navigation, communications and emergency response.
Penk said New Zealand’s space sector continues to expand, creating high-value jobs and attracting overseas investment. He said the Kiwi Space Activator programme helps local innovators move space technologies from the research phase through to launch, whether into space or high-altitude environments.
“Through round two of the Kiwi Space Activator pilot programme, the University of Auckland has been awarded $300,000 for its Rakiraki CubeSat project,” Penk said.
“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 satellite will be built and flown by the University of Auckland with support from Auckland University of Technology, while Space Operations New Zealand will provide ground station services.
According to Penk, the programme is helping New Zealand companies and researchers establish the flight heritage needed to attract customers and investors in the highly competitive global space industry.
He said the strong response to the funding round highlighted the quality of innovation emerging from New Zealand’s space sector.
A total of $1.78 million has now been awarded through the Kiwi Space Activator programme across four projects funded through its first two rounds. The Government says the initiative is designed to support commercialisation, improve access to international markets and strengthen New Zealand’s long-term space capabilities.
Image credit: Arnaud Mariat
