Fresh Start: Lessons Learned from Developing New Zealand's First Satellite Program
Session
Session 5: Education 1
Abstract
There are a number of space based companies in the early stages of establishment in New Zealand, including RocketLab. The space sector in New Zealand has been slow to mature, with New Zealand remaining one of the only countries in the OECD which does not currently operate satellites. In this paper, we present what we have learnt through the process of launching a new space program in New Zealand from the ground up. Starting with a clean slate affords the opportunity to redefine how you operate, address some potential pitfalls before they happen and learn from those who have gone before you. How do you decide on which technologies should be focused on and funded? How can we maximise the benefit for the region? How do you define success? These are just some of the questions that need to be answered. CSST(The Centre for Space Science Technology) is a new organisation set-up to help facilitate the use of space based measurements in New Zealand industries and help New Zealand enter the space age, through plans to fly CubeSat missions in 2018. This paper will detail the methodology used to ensure that CSST is investing in the correct missions to meet the demands of end users. We found that focusing on industry driven requirements and a collaborative approach to managing intellectual property helps to get industry players to consider how novel space based measurements may help their businesses. We have developed a novel funding model which helps bring together the team required to develop new instruments specific to New Zealand’s challenges. A highly collaborative model is required to bring in the best people to form multi-disciplinary teams. CSST works closely with a number of Universities throughout New Zealand with the goal of facilitating the application of the research performed at these institutions.
Presentation
Fresh Start: Lessons Learned from Developing New Zealand's First Satellite Program
There are a number of space based companies in the early stages of establishment in New Zealand, including RocketLab. The space sector in New Zealand has been slow to mature, with New Zealand remaining one of the only countries in the OECD which does not currently operate satellites. In this paper, we present what we have learnt through the process of launching a new space program in New Zealand from the ground up. Starting with a clean slate affords the opportunity to redefine how you operate, address some potential pitfalls before they happen and learn from those who have gone before you. How do you decide on which technologies should be focused on and funded? How can we maximise the benefit for the region? How do you define success? These are just some of the questions that need to be answered. CSST(The Centre for Space Science Technology) is a new organisation set-up to help facilitate the use of space based measurements in New Zealand industries and help New Zealand enter the space age, through plans to fly CubeSat missions in 2018. This paper will detail the methodology used to ensure that CSST is investing in the correct missions to meet the demands of end users. We found that focusing on industry driven requirements and a collaborative approach to managing intellectual property helps to get industry players to consider how novel space based measurements may help their businesses. We have developed a novel funding model which helps bring together the team required to develop new instruments specific to New Zealand’s challenges. A highly collaborative model is required to bring in the best people to form multi-disciplinary teams. CSST works closely with a number of Universities throughout New Zealand with the goal of facilitating the application of the research performed at these institutions.
