Te Pūnaha Ātea Auckland Space Institute A multi-faculty Space Science and Engineering initiative at the University of Auckland.
Projects and partners
As New Zealand starts to define its place in the fast-growing international space sector, we are ensuring that researchers and students are equipped with the knowledge to participate in an industry that will have a strong impact on our technological, economic and social future.
Synthetic Aperture Radar technology development This project is developing the underlying science and technology needed to provide New Zealand with an overhead monitoring capability using space-based assets. Our academic staff have research funding from the Science for Technological Innovation National Science Challenge to develop novel miniature Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) hardware and software for small satellites.
The Institute is committed to expanding our innovative capacities to the frontiers of space.
Key capabilities Satellite systems hardware The Institute is developing space satellite missions to service New Zealand’s strategic scientific and economic goals. We combine commercial off-the-shelf componentry along with our own hardware and software solutions. Our focus is on systems that increase the capabilities and usefulness of nano-satellite platforms, such as CubeSats.
observations and the Institute has worldleading expertise in conducting wide-field survey observations, image and time series data analysis. We also have deep expertise in investigating life in extreme conditions and the origins of life on Earth.
Data analysis and utilisation
Leadership and commercialisation
We are using space-based instruments (private, public domain and commercial) to support research (e.g. marine mammals tracking), industry (microforecasting and resource monitoring) and government (fisheries surveillance) and space situational awareness.
As a hub for a growing space industry, the Institute is managing connections with local and international partners, and is becoming a trusted source of advice and services for government, industry, start-ups and the media. Geographical and collaborative linkages with key commercial partners including New Zealand’s launch provider, Rocket Lab, provide a strong foundation from which to translate research and innovation to develop space systems capability.
Astronomy and astrobiology research New Zealand is uniquely located to perform time-critical astronomical
A growing research group involves collaboration with Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE), Australian National University (ANU) and the German Aerospace Center (DLR).