The eye in the sky from Aotearoa New Zealand

13 July 2026

The Challenge, Future of work, Faculty of Engineering and Design, Faculty of Science, Doctoral, Staff news

Te Pūnaha Ātea-1, (TPA-1) a home-grown New Zealand satellite launched in June last year. On its 515km high orbit it has been capturing fresh images of our planet.

TPA-1, New Zealand's first successful homegrown satellite. Image: TPA-1, University of Auckland
TPA-1, New Zealand's first successful homegrown satellite. Image: TPA-1, University of Auckland

SPECIAL FEATURE: A successful homegrown satellite Te Pūnaha Ātea-1 reached space on June 23, 2025. On its orbit it has captured fresh images of the planet and served as an important proof of concept for New Zealand's ambitions in space.

Mātātaki | The Challenge is a continuing series of in-depth articles on research and innovation at Waipapa Taumata Rau, University of Auckland. 

Media contact: Gilbert Wong, gilbert.wong@auckland.ac.nz

More on space