Rocket launches get government OK
The government has authorised the first commercial space rocket launches from New Zealand.
Rocket Lab, which operates a private satellite launch site on the Mahia Peninsula between Napier and Gisborne, intended to start launch operations this year, said Minister for Economic Development Steven Joyce.
The deal is an interim measure until the Outer Space and High Altitude Activities Bill is introduced to Parliament this month to provide a regula- tory regime for space launches from New Zealand. The government wants the bill passed by mid- 2017.
In June, New Zealand signed the Technology Safeguards Agreement with the United States government. It allows commercial entities, including Rocket Lab, to import launch technology and satellites from the US.
“This contract i s an important milestone in the work the government is doing to support the development of a New Zealand- based space industry,” Joyce said. “Rocket Lab is capitalising on some of New Zealand’s advantages as an attractive location for space launches. We have clear skies, access to good launch angles, a skilled workforce and an innovationfriendly business environment.”
Rocket Lab is backed by Silicon Valley investor Khosla Ventures, Stephen Tindall’s K1W1 fund, Silicon Valley venture capitalist Bessemer Venture Partners and global defence group Lockheed Martin.
Before launching, Rocket Lab needed a licence from the US Federal Aviation Administration, Joyce said.