By Lucy Craymer
WELLINGTON, July 23 (Reuters)
When the word “space” comes to mind, we never think that a nation like New Zealand can pull it off because we are so accustomed to the United States, with SpaceX being the space centre. However, New Zealand has it too. Additionally, space is typically associated with images of satellites orbiting high above Earth, rockets taking off, or telescopes looking into the stars. However, a lot of the infrastructure that supports the space industry is located right here on Earth, including launch pads, monitoring stations, antennas, and control centres that help maintain satellites in communication with Earth.
New Zealand will now be able to regulate ground-based space infrastructure
The New Zealand government passed legislation on Wednesday to regulate the use of ground-based space infrastructure following concerns about foreign actors using it to harm national security. Space Minister Judith Collins said in a statement that the Outer Space High Altitude Activities Amendment Bill would take effect on July 29, and from then on, ground-based space infrastructure.
Ground-based infrastructure, such as satellite tracking stations and telemetry systems, would be subject to oversight and safeguards. This is what Collins said,
“The law supports New Zealand’s interest in the safe, secure and responsible use of space and stop any attempts by foreign entities that do not share our values or interests. Ground-based space infrastructure in New Zealand plays a vital role in supporting global satellite operations and space activities, but without regulation, it can also pose risks to national security, and other national interests.”
Government involvement is key to ensure that there is no more flagging
Under the new law, anyone operating ground-based space infrastructure will need to confirm with the government that they have appropriate security arrangements in place and due diligence systems to assess any partners. The South Pacific nation’s location and clear skies make it a good place to launch and monitor satellites from, with the European Space Agency among those keeping an eye on space from New Zealand.
The new regulations, which were flagged at the end of 2024, come after New Zealand’s intelligence service raised concerns last September that some foreign entities had tried to establish space infrastructure, which would have “assisted foreign military activity that could have harmed New Zealand interests.”
While neither the minister nor the report mentioned China specifically in relation to the incidents, the broader report noted that China remained a complex intelligence concern in New Zealand, but there were other states undertaking malicious activity as well. New Zealand is a member of the “Five Eyes” intelligence grouping, along with the U.S., Australia, Canada, and Britain.
This law is important for public information, safety, and security
Regulating space infrastructure involves more than simply paperwork for New Zealand. According to officials, the law aims to strike a balance between responsibility and innovation. These base installations can handle massive volumes of sensitive data since satellites and rockets require continuous monitoring and communication. It also,
- Stimulates space interests across the nation.
- Provides a sense of security for everyone involved in the exploration.
- Ensures that there are no illegal activities.
The new regulations are intended to prevent these websites from becoming the focus of abuse or hacking. Additionally, they impose restrictions on any adverse effects on nearby communities, such as disagreements over land use or noise. The goal of the government’s requirements for approval and supervision is to stop the quick, unchecked expansion of facilities that can later pose issues. Space exploration has suddenly gotten interesting and busier; more answers are being sought, and New Zealand is one of those nations that are ready to place safety measures and take charge.