International engagement
Space is a shared environment that connects all countries. What happens in space, like satellite activity, the generation of orbital debris, or the impact of new technologies, can affect people and systems around the world. That’s why global cooperation is so important.
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New Zealand’s global role in space
New Zealand plays an active role in shaping the future of space. We do this through strong international partnerships, responsible leadership, and a focus on sustainability. By engaging globally, we help make sure that space activities from New Zealand reflect our values and support a safe, fair, and innovative space environment for everyone.
Why it matters
International engagement helps New Zealand:
- Influence global space norms and standards
- Access cutting-edge research and technology
- Promote sustainable and ethical space practices
- Strengthen our space economy and global reputation
Partnering for progress
We collaborate with leading space nations and agencies to advance science, technology, and responsible space operations. Key initiatives and agreements include:
- Artemis Accords – Supporting peaceful exploration of Space, transparency, inter-operability, science data, safe debris disposal and more.
The Artemis Accords(external link) — NASA
Video Transcript
- Zero Debris Charter – Committing to debris-neutral space operations by 2030.
Twelve countries sign the Zero Debris Charter(external link) — The European Space Agency - US Technology Safeguards Agreement (TSA) – Enabling safe and secure use of U.S. launch technologies in New Zealand.
Technology Safeguards Agreement US [PDF, 118 KB] - UN COPUOS Membership – Engaging in global space governance and sustainability
Membership of the UN Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space - COPUOS [PDF, 2.1 MB] - Bilateral Agreements – New Zealand has concluded several bilateral arrangements, agreements, and memoranda of cooperation with spacefaring nations, including the United States and European n partners, to promote regulatory cooperation and alignment, innovation, and strategic cooperation.
European Space Agency NZ arrangement [PDF, 138 KB]
Strategic research partnerships
- NASA – Through the NZ–NASA Joint Research Programme, New Zealand and NASA are co-investing in Earth observation projects that support environmental monitoring, disaster resilience, and climate science. Five major projects are underway, combining satellite data, AI, and knowledge systems to address shared challenges
NZ-NASA partnership launches five new projects(external link) — Beehive.govt.nz - German Aerospace Center (DLR ) – New Zealand and DLR are collaborating on eight advanced research projects in propulsion, quantum communication, radar, and Earth observation. These projects are helping build long-term capability in green propulsion, optical communications, and high-altitude remote sensing
New Zealand–DLR frontier Joint Research Programme funding announced - SmartSat CRC (Australia) – The Australia–New Zealand Collaborative Space Programme supports joint R&D in Earth observation, climate monitoring, and space communications. This Trans-Tasman partnership is helping both countries tackle environmental and economic challenges through shared innovation
Catalyst: Strategic – Australia New Zealand Collaborative Space Programme