NZ halves time to launch rockets in space goldrush
The government wants to double the size of the aerospace industry within a few years and a key way would be to offer more commercial, military and scientific satellite launches.
The New Zealand government has reduced the time needed to approve rocket launches, now averaging five weeks compared to 11 weeks. Rocket Lab, a private company founded in New Zealand, is highly active and has caused New Zealand to rank third-equal in the world for total rocket launches. The government is pursuing a strategy to double the size of its aerospace industry and is seeking private foreign investment for a second launchpad at Kaitorete Spit.
The Space Agency is consulting the industry on further streamlining measures. Rocket Lab proposed improvements which the government is considering. New Space Minister Paul Goldsmith confirmed that the Ministry for Business, Innovation and Employment reviewed its processes and reduced processing time without compromising assessment quality.
The government describes its support for space research and development as ad hoc, with limited public capacity for launches. Rocket Lab is developing a larger medium-lift launch vehicle called Neutron, but it will be launched from the US due to New Zealand's small industrial base. Rocket Lab has a significant presence in New Zealand, employing 1,000 people.
The government and Rocket Lab have discussed potential collaborations to grow the aerospace industry together.
Written by urgent.news from RNZ Business's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
