NZ Space Agency grants first launch and facility licences

The New Zealand Space Agency has taken the next step in implementing New Zealand’s space legislation with the granting of launch and facility licences to Rocket Lab.

The licences are the first to be granted under the Outer Space and High-altitude Activities Act 2017 (OSHAA), marking an important step for the regulator of New Zealand’s space sector, authorising Rocket Lab to operate from their private launch facility on New Zealand’s Mahia Peninsula for the next five years.

Under the OSHAA, separate licences are required for the launch of a vehicle from New Zealand and operation of a launch facility in New Zealand. This step is now complete.

Rocket Lab had previously been operating under a detailed contract with the New Zealand Government, as well as launch licences from the US Federal Aviation Administration.