The same satellite can have military and civilian functions. This creates a dilemma for NZ

New Zealand is rapidly expanding its involvement in the aerospace sector, which is estimated to contribute NZ$2.5 billion to the national economy. The country recently committed nearly NZ$24 million to fund a military satellite and renewed its participation in a US-led partnership aimed at securing space against threats. However, this growing investment in military space capabilities creates a dilemma for New Zealand.

As countries expand their military presence in space to protect critical infrastructure such as satellite navigation, banking, and communications, these actions can threaten the very relationships they seek to maintain, increasing tensions rather than alleviating them.

The duality of satellite technology, serving both civilian and military purposes, further complicates the issue. While civilian uses of satellite data can aid in environmental monitoring and disaster management, military applications can enhance disaster preparedness and surveillance, but also compromise privacy and trust. This overlap between civilian and military uses of space can erode trust between nations, making cooperation more challenging, even for activities intended to improve safety and sustainability in space.

New Zealand's situation is particularly sensitive, as the country relies heavily on satellite infrastructure controlled by other nations. The expansion of military participation in space could lead to misunderstandings and potential disruptions in services people depend on daily. New Zealand has an opportunity to contribute to global discussions on space security by drawing upon its expertise in technical, scientific, and international law.

Greater transparency, clearer communication, and shared best practices could help mitigate risks of escalation and build trust between countries.