Southland’s role in the global space industry is set to expand with a major Government loan announced by Associate Regional Development Minister Mark Patterson.
“Southland’s Space Operations New Zealand Limited will receive a loan of up to $2.25 million from the fund as part of a $4.55 million project to expand its business,” he said.
The loan, from the Regional Infrastructure Fund, will accelerate the development of new facilities at the Awarua Satellite Ground Station near Invercargill. Plans include a new headquarters building, workshops, and other supporting infrastructure.
“Southland is an ideal location for a satellite ground station given its proximity to the South Pole, low horizon and limited radio interference,” Mr Patterson said. “The loan accelerates essential works which would otherwise have faced a two-year delay. It meets Space Operations New Zealand needs to meet current demand and to future growth plans. The project will create a regional space hub to support the continued growth and development of Southland’s space sector.”
The company, a subsidiary of Great South — Southland’s council-controlled economic development agency — already manages two sites: the Greenhills Ground Station at Awarua and the Warkworth Space Centre north of Auckland. It provides mission support and ground services for satellites in low-Earth orbit and works with international clients to host, maintain and operate antennae and other systems.
Invercargill MP Penny Simmonds said the investment would give Southland’s space industry the momentum it needs.
“This is a huge step forward for space operations in our province, giving it the fire power that it needs,” she said. “We have the land, the location and the expertise to locate a satellite ground station here and this funding will certainly make things happen.
“The project has huge potential for our province, creating a regional space hub to support the development of Southland’s space sector, along with boosting employment and economic growth and resilience. Instead of facing lengthy delays this loan will ensure that work can start as soon as possible and will help fund development of a headquarters building, workshops and other infrastructure at the station.”
SpaceOps Board Chair John Yaldwyn said the loan will help meet growing international demand.
“This investment allows us to accelerate our growth plans and strengthen our role as an essential partner for space agencies around the world,” he said.
Established in 2016, SpaceOps, which is wholly owned by Great South, plays a vital role in supporting satellite launches and operating ground station services for spacecraft in low-earth orbit. Thanks to the Regional Infrastructure Fund investment, the development can proceed much faster than planned, avoiding delays of up to two years.
SpaceOps operates from its Awarua Ground Station in Southland and the Warkworth Space Centre north of Auckland. Its core business is hosting, maintaining, and operating antennas and equipment for international customers. The company has been part of Southland’s innovation story since 2004, when Great South first established the Awarua site with European and French space agencies.
SpaceOps Chief Executive Robin McNeill was recently awarded the inaugural Prime Minister’s Space Prize for Professional Excellence, recognising his leadership in advancing New Zealand’s ground segment capability and raising its international profile.