Te Pūnaha Ātea
Space Institute

The Space Institute – Te Pūnaha Ātea – is a multidisciplinary centre of expertise in space science and engineering, including a capability to execute space missions and develop applications. Our institutional mission is to create, disseminate and exploit knowledge to support and enhance the development of the New Zealand Space Sector.

We carry out applied research in space science, engineering, and applications of space data, as well as run educational activities that shape the next generation of scientists and engineers.

We work with national and international establishments, industrial partners and academic institutions, operating in an ecosystem that thrives thanks to the complementary nature of our activities. Working from original ideas, to modelling, to proof of concept (Manufacture, Assembly, Integration and Test), to in-orbit demonstrations, we apply research findings to develop engineering solutions that support the growth of new and existing enterprises.

Through our strategic partnerships, we have direct access to space that enables in-orbit demonstrations of technologies, and we are developing a multifunctional mission control capability to operate satellites and payloads, transforming raw data into useful information.

Our seamless end-to-end capability gives our students an exceptional learning experience, which, enhanced by our close partnerships with industry, puts them in a privileged position to meet the employment demands of a growing international aerospace sector.

News

  • NASA visits Te Pūnaha Ātea Space Institute

    NASA administrators Senator Bill Nelson and Deputy Administrator Pamela Melroy recently visited Te Pūnaha Ātea- the Space Institute of the University of Auckland, where they praised New Zealand’s achievements in the space sector and encouraged graduates to take up internship opportunities with NASA. The visit provided an opportunity to discuss the Clear Shores mission, which…Continue…

  • Techweek 2022 – MethaneSAT: NZ’s role in solving a climate challenge from space

    Te Pūnaha Ātea Space Institute was proud to host Techweek 2022 event, “MethaneSAT: NZ’s role in solving a climate challenge from space” in its new Mission Operations Control Centre….Continue Reading Techweek 2022 – MethaneSAT: NZ’s role in solving a climate challenge from space

  • Te Pūnaha Ātea partners with industry to grow space workforce

    The New Zealand space industry is taking off in a massive way, but to be the brightest star in the NZ$647 billion global space economy we need skilled workers. Te Pūnaha Ātea – Space Institute, at the University of Auckland is helping to address that need by offering courses that will shape New Zealand’s next…