Apply for a licence or permit
Whether you're launching a rocket or satellite, operating a launch facility, flying a high-altitude vehicle, or operating a ground station you may need an authorisation. This page outlines the types of authorisations, who needs them, and how to apply.
On this page
Types of permits and licences
Payload permit
Required for any object intended to be carried or placed in outer space.
- Applies to payloads launched from New Zealand and to New Zealand payloads launched overseas.
- Must meet the requirements in the Act, which include orbital debris mitigation and consistency with New Zealand’s international obligations.
- Application form – APP001
Launch licence
Required for any launch vehicle intended to reach outer space or which carries or supports the launch of a payload.
- Applies to launches from New Zealand.
- Must meet the requirements in the Act including technical capability, safety, and consistency with New Zealand’s international obligations .
- Contact NZSA to request the application form.
Facility licence
Required for any fixed or mobile facility in New Zealand intended to launch a launch vehicle.
- Covers infrastructure necessary for launch operations.
- Must meet the requirements in the Act, including technical capability, safety and consistency with New Zealand’s international obligations.
- Contact NZSA to request the application form.
High-altitude Vehicle (HAV) licence
Required for vehicles that travels or can travel higher than flight level 600 (approx. 60,000 feet) or the highest upper limit of controlled airspace under the Civil Aviation Act 1990.
- This may include aircraft, balloons, and sounding rockets.
Application form – APP002 [DOCX, 313 KB]
Application guidance – HAV licence [PDF, 673 KB]
Civil Aviation Act 2023(external link) — New Zealand Legislation
Application process
1. Prepare your application
- Review the relevant guidance documents.
- Ensure you meet all requirements under OSHAA and associated regulations.
- Consider other applicable regimes (e.g. Civil Aviation, environmental protection, hazardous substances, radio spectrum).
2. Submit your application
- Complete the appropriate form online for payload permits.
- Email your application to the New Zealand Space Agency for other licences.
- Include all supporting documentation.
3. Assessment and decision
- Applications are reviewed by NZSA and other relevant agencies. NZSA may share application information with certain other agencies in order to assist the Minister in the performance or exercise of functions, duties, or powers under the Outer Space and High-altitude Activities Act 2017.
- NZSA makes a recommendation to the Minister for Space, who decides whether or not to grant the permit or licence.
- You will be notified of the outcome and any conditions attached to your permit or licence.
4. Post-approval obligations
Comply with all conditions of your authorisation, including conditions requiring reporting to NZSA and notification of any incidents or changes to your activity.
In this section I tēnei wāhanga
Application for Payload Permit APP001
Apply for a permit to send a payload into space.
Ground-based space infrastructure
Ground-based space infrastructure (GBSI) refers to the systems on Earth that interact with spacecraft.
High-altitude vehicles
An HAV is any vehicle that travels, intends to travel, or can travel to higher than flight level 600 or the highest upper limit of controlled airspace under the Civil Aviation Act 1990 .
Payloads approved for launch
We’re committed to keeping New Zealanders informed about the range of payloads launched into space from New Zealand.
Register of high-altitude vehicles
We’re committed to keeping New Zealanders informed about our licensing activities. As part of this commitment, we are maintaining a register of all high-altitude licences approved by the Minister for Space.
Need help?
We encourage applicants to contact us early in the process. Discussing your activity with us can help ensure your application is complete and processed efficiently. We can help you transfer any sensitive information and ensure it is protected, subject to relevant legislative requirements.
Email: nzspaceagency@mbie.govt.nz
Phone (NZ): 0800 843 697