Space Engineering platform

The objective of the Space Engineering Platform is to strengthen New Zealand’s applied research capability in Space Engineering, to foster the growth of its space sector. This also includes the articulation of enabling elements, like delivering sector-specific education/training, and operating physical infrastructure [National Satellite Test facility (NSTF), Fabrication and Assembly Facility (FAF) and Mission Operation and Control Centre (MOCC)] for the development, testing and operation of space technologies, applications, and product development. 

As the country has become increasingly dependent on a wide range of space technologies—such as satellite navigation (GPS), weather forecasting, telecommunications, remote sensing and more—the development of New Zealand's space sector has become a national priority. In addition to its strategic importance, this industry presents a unique commercial opportunity for the country’s economic growth.

TPA-SI is the organisational structure that will direct and execute all activities of the Space Engineering Platform, to achieve its objectives (i.e. the Institute is “who we are” and the Platform is “what we do”), operating in the three areas below:

Education, as training of highly skilled employees and leaders is essential for the sector’s growth. The Platform’s support will enable more hands-on experience for students enrolled in university courses, bridging the gap between academic education and industrial practice. We will also offer short courses in space system engineering for professionals with different backgrounds, which teach the essentials of this discipline and applications, enhancing their understanding and productivity.

Applied Research, will be our core activity, guided by emerging sector needs, growth opportunities and prospects for future commercialisation, as well as our expertise, available resources and potential partners. We will generate new ideas, which will then evolve into new useful products and services, as well as address topical issues and solve problems that improve current technologies and applications. 

We will work closely with industrial partners, and proactively engage with a worldwide network of organisations, participating in international events that give us the opportunity to showcase our work and raises the profile of the country.

Development (including Manufacturing Assembly Integration and Testing), which gives us an end-to-end capability to take concepts to practical industrial implementation and in-orbit demonstrations to prove capabilities paving the way to commercialisation. Working from original ideas, to modelling, to proof of concept, to in-orbit demonstrations, we will apply research findings to develop engineering solutions that are going to support the growth of new and existing enterprises. 

We operate a range of state-of-the-art facilities (NSTF, FAF and MOCC) which are used to support our education, research and development as well as work with partners and external customers. During the next few months, we will start operating our own technology demonstrator satellites.

Led by world-class experts and staff with decades of experience at the forefront of the space sector’s research and industrial applications, we will provide expert advice to external organisations (including the New Zealand Space Agency) functioning also as a technical incubator for our spin-offs and external start-ups. We will also support a range of events and outreach activities to help connect the players in the growing NZ ecosystem fostering further opportunities for engagement and sector growth.