New funding to launch TPA-2 from lab to orbit

The University’s Te Pūnaha Ātea – Space Institute has received $283,827 for its TPA‑2 satellite mission, one of three projects funded in the first round of the New Zealand Space Agency's Kiwi Space Activator pilot programme.

Dawn Aerospace secured $600,000 for their Hōpara project to build and fly a small satellite. The University of Canterbury received the same for their demonstration of biological microgravity experimentation on a spaceplane. 

Together with the University of Auckland, the three projects have received $1.48 million in round one of the two‑round scheme, Space Minister Hon Chris Penk announced on 15 May. 

"These projects address real-world challenges identified by government agencies, and boost New Zealand’s reputation as a hub for space innovation," he says. 

"This pilot is a stepping stone, allowing us to develop New Zealand’s space capabilities and support innovative projects that could contribute to a national space mission in the years ahead."

TPA-2 mission lead Dr Ben Taylor says the investment strengthens the Institute’s ability to deliver in‑orbit demonstration missions for partners across the sector.

"The funding will provide an effective pathway for commercial, academic and educational missions that add real economic and societal benefits," he says.

TPA‑2 builds on the heritage of the Institute’s successful loaf-sized TPA-1 satellite, currently operating in orbit.  

Taylor says the team is now focused on extending that capability to support the wider New Zealand space community.

"We’ve shown we can deliver successful space missions with our TPA‑1 satellite, and now we want to leverage this expertise to enable the wider New Zealand ecosystem and strengthen sovereign capability."

The mission will carry a modular maritime domain awareness payload, an optical satellite beacon, an in‑house avionics suite and a biological experiment platform.

A payload slot will also be reserved for a school project with Auckland students actively developing mission systems, offering hands‑on engagement for emerging space innovators.

Taylor says sustainability remains central to the Institute’s mission design.

"We’re always thinking about the sustainable use of space; with the number of satellites being launched every year we need to make real efforts to not add to the issue of space debris.

"We therefore equip our missions with deorbiting devices - dragsails - so we can quickly remove our satellites from orbit when they complete their mission."

Applications for round two of the pilot programme are open until 25 May 2026.