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- By Charles Miller
Sixty-four years ago, on January 31, 1961, a chimpanzee named Ham became the first hominid in space.
He experienced seven minutes of weightlessness in orbit in his Mercury capsule before splashing down safely in the Atlantic.
His mission was a prelude to human spaceflight and came at the start of exploration and commercialisation of space.
Today, the space industry is a $630 billion global business, projected to reach $1.8 trillion by 2035. Commercial ventures account for 78 per cent of the industry.
Satellite technology, space services, and private sector investment are driving growth.
No longer the exclusive domain of superpowers, space is an intensely competitive arena with nations and companies jostling for advantage.
New Zealand has emerged as a key player. Though lacking the financial firepower, we have unique advantages.
Geographically remote, our clear launch corridors and angles provide an ideal location for commercial rocket operations.
Decades of success in high-tech yacht racing have built a strong engineering capability in carbon fibre composites and aerodynamics, a useful edge in aerospace manufacturing.
The country’s regulatory framework is another asset. A vibrant democracy and OECD partner, New Zealand has positioned itself as a trusted, well-regulated gateway to space, with agreements in place with NASA and the US Department of Defence.
Founded in 2006 by Sir Peter Beck, local company Rocket Lab has become the world’s leading small satellite launch provider.
The Electron rocket, built from advanced carbon composites, enables cost-effective access to orbit, directly competing with larger players.
The company has built a high-frequency, relatively low-cost launch model, attracting commercial clients, NASA, and the US military.
Its revenue recently exceeded $100 million per quarter, proving a New Zealand-founded company can thrive in one of the most demanding global industries.
The next step is Neutron, a reusable medium-lift rocket designed to challenge some of the largest rockets around.
Based in the South Island, Dawn Aerospace is taking a different approach.
Instead of rockets, it’s developing spaceplanes and non-toxic propulsion systems for satellites.
The Mk-II Aurora spaceplane is designed for frequent, low-cost space access using conventional runways, eliminating the need for costly launch infrastructure.
Dawn is a leader in green propulsion, having supplied over 80 non-toxic thrusters for use in commercial and government satellites around the world.
Its iterative design process – refining technology based on real time feedback – has accelerated its innovation.
There are lessons here. First, play to your strengths. New Zealand’s geography, engineering expertise, and regulatory credibility have made it a natural space hub.
Second, carve out unique niches. Instead of going head-to-head with established giants, Rocket Lab and Dawn Aerospace have focused on specialised areas like small satellite launches, spaceplanes and green propulsion.
Third, invest in technology. Sustained research and development and strong links between industry and government have been key to success.
And finally, build alliances. Partnerships with NASA and the US military highlight the value of trust and collaboration in a strategic, high-stakes industry.
New Zealand’s space sector is proof that relatively underfunded small operators can make a big impact, if they focus on what they do best with vision and passion.
