<\/p>\n
\nSpace Minister Judith Collins.
\nPhoto: Nick Monro\n<\/p>\n
The government is investigating the possibility of developing and launching one or more satellites to monitor things like illegal fishing.<\/p>\n
Space Minister Judith Collins says the satellites would also ensure regular coverage of areas of national interest such as humanitarian and disaster response and reduce the government’s reliance on external providers for the information.<\/p>\n
The Space Agency has been investigating options for what a government-owned and operated satellite could do and is still taking advice on the options for the mission’s design, she said.<\/p>\n
A business case is still being developed.<\/p>\n
Collins said space missions are complex endeavours which take years of work to develop and validate before they are ready to build, launch and operate.<\/p>\n
There will be more information before the end of the year and any decision to proceed with a full-scale mission depends on a compelling business case and available funding.<\/p>\n
The national space mission is one of five strategic objectives in the government’s Space Strategy.<\/p>\n