Nova Systems Launching Into New Zealand’s Space Sector

Nova Systems’ New Zealand arm is now expanding into the country’s burgeoning space sector, launching into the multi-billion-dollar industry as the growing global company continues to support the delivery of key aerospace projects.

The company has recently been engaged by the New Zealand Space Agency, part of the New Zealand Government’s Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment, to undertake a review of high-altitude vehicle launch plans and safety cases.

Director of Aerospace (NZ) Peter Johnson said expanding into space was a natural fit for the Nova Systems.

“Our New Zealand team is really excited to be launching into space given the huge potential in this growing industry,” Johnson said.

“Space is opening up a world of possibilities that weren’t available just a couple of years ago, so it’s really great to see a number of private companies doing some amazing things.”

Following the New Zealand Government’s support for a space agency, Johnson said the sector was ripe with potential.

“The cost of launching is coming down dramatically which is opening up possibilities in everything from communications to research,” he said.

Nova Systems Australia supported the Australian Space Agency in the assessment of NASA’s first ever rockets launched from a commercial site in Australia at the Arnhem Space Centre.

Image credit NASA.

“For example, a university can now design, construct and have a small cube-satellite launched. Space is becoming more accessible, so why wouldn’t lots of companies in New Zealand and Nova Systems want to be part of that?

“Nova Systems New Zealand employs experienced aerospace engineers with an understanding of regulatory approvals and the technical analysis required to conduct this exciting work.”

In addition to expanding into the space industry, Nova Systems continues to support New Zealand’s Ministry of Defence in its delivery of the new, once-in-a-generation, Boeing P-8A Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft.

“We’re managing the trials and development, which is essentially making sure the Air Force is ready to receive the aircraft as soon as possible, but also making sure the systems that wrap around the aircraft are going to work as required.”

In addition, Nova Systems has been supporting the Future Maritime Helicopter Project.

Johnson said aerospace was crucial to defence but also served to support everything from disaster relief, search and rescue and humanitarian efforts, as highlighted during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Using the pandemic as an example, the NZDF helped deploy COVID vaccinations and PPE via air to many of our neighbouring Pacific countries and that’s a crucial part of the NZDF’s core business today,” he said.

“In search and rescue, it shows we’re supporting our Pacific neighbours in whatever way they need, and we will be there should they need aid or help following a natural disaster.”

As technology continues to evolve and change, Johnson said aerospace continues to flourish and offer new opportunities for growth. “Aerospace has changed a lot in the past five years,” he said.

“The industry is figuring out new and better ways of using autonomous drones to carry out work in dangerous and remote areas and is developing innovative means to provide essential needs, such as aerial imagery.

“There is a clear shift towards electric aircraft and sustainable air travel as the sector strives to decarbonise to achieve New Zealand’s target of net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050.

“All this new technology needs the right systems around it, be that infrastructure, data or information and communication systems – and Nova Systems can support this work.”

Johnson said Nova Systems has a competitive edge as the company draws from its global workforce across strategically located offices in New Zealand, Australia, the UK, Norway and Singapore.

“We have access to around 1000 talented people around the world,” Johnson said.

“I was on a conference call with a New Zealand client recently and Nova Systems experts in their fields from Australia, Norway and New Zealand were all putting in their expertise to provide the client a global perspective – a huge bonus.”

Nova Systems has supported defence and government in New Zealand since 2008.

Now with offices in Wellington and Auckland, Nova Systems continues to expand its workforce and client base.

“The sky is not the limit when it comes to air domain and aerospace, and Nova Systems is focused on continuing to grow and expand – so watch this space,” Johnson said.

Nova Systems NZ Director Aerospace Peter Johnson.

Image supplied.