Articles tagged with Kiwi Space Activator

Kiwi Space Activator Funds University of Auckland’s Rakiraki CubeSat Project

4 days ago | 102 views

Space Minister Chris Penk announced that the University of Auckland received $300,000 from the Kiwi Space Activator pilot programme to develop the Rakiraki CubeSat, a satellite aimed at improving space object tracking to protect essential satellite services. The programme supports New Zealand innovators in advancing space technology from concept to launch, fostering sovereign space capability, commercialisation, and global market access. With $1.78 million awarded across two rounds to four projects, the initiative reflects the growing and high-quality space innovation sector in New Zealand.

Tags: Chris Penk Kiwi Space Activator University of Auckland Rakiraki CubeSat Auckland University of Technology Space Operations New Zealand MBIE New Zealand space sector Kiwi businesses space technology

Kiwi Space Activator Funds $1.48M to Boost NZ Space Innovation Projects

1 month ago | 314 views

Space Minister Chris Penk announced the first recipients of the Kiwi Space Activator pilot programme, awarding $1.48 million to Dawn Aerospace, the University of Canterbury, and the University of Auckland for innovative space technology projects. These initiatives address government-identified challenges, enhance New Zealand’s space innovation reputation, and include educational components to inspire future innovators. The programme aims to reduce barriers for testing new space technologies, with funding increased to $2.08 million for rounds one and two, and applications for round two closing on May 25, 2026.

Tags: Chris Penk Dawn Aerospace University of Canterbury University of Auckland Kiwi Space Activator Hōpara MBIE New Zealand space innovation

Kiwi Space Activator Launches $1.8M Pilot to Boost NZ Space Innovation

6 months ago | 850 views

New Zealand's Space Minister Judith Collins launched a $1.8 million Kiwi Space Activator pilot program to help local companies and universities develop space technologies for future national missions. The program, administered by the New Zealand Space Agency, offers up to $600,000 per project over two funding rounds, supporting innovations aligned with government challenges like maritime security and ecosystem health. Open to New Zealand-based organizations, the initiative aims to advance space technology readiness and maintain the country's leadership in global space innovation, with applications closing on March 1, 2026.

Tags: Judith Collins Kiwi Space Activator New Zealand Space Agency space technology national space mission satellite technology space innovation maritime security biosecurity ecosystem health