"Rules to Keep Space Safe and Help the Space Industry Grow"
This Act aims to help the space industry grow and operate safely. You will be able to learn about space activities and how they are regulated. The Act also helps New Zealand meet its international obligations regarding space.
The Act has several goals, including keeping space free from nuclear weapons and other dangerous items. It also stops military bases from being built on celestial bodies like the moon. You can find more information about these rules in the Outer Space Treaty.
The Act helps manage any problems that might arise from space activities. It sets up a system to regulate space activities, high-altitude activities, and ground-based space infrastructure activities. This system was updated by the Outer Space and High-altitude Activities Amendment Act 2025 on 29 July 2025.
The Act also aims to protect New Zealand's national security and interests. It helps ensure that space activities do not harm the country or its people. You can learn more about how the Act regulates space activities and protects New Zealand's interests.
The Act's purpose is to balance the growth of the space industry with safety and security concerns. It helps New Zealand meet its international obligations and protects the country's interests.
"What the Outer Space and High-altitude Activities Act 2017 is about"
Outer Space and High-altitude Activities Act 2017
Reprint as at:
2025-07-29
Assent:
2017-07-10
Commencement:
see section 2
The Parliamentary Counsel Office has made editorial and format changes to this version using the powers under subpart 2 of Part 3 of the Legislation Act 2019.
Note 4 at the end of this version provides a list of the amendments included in it.
This Act is administered by the
Ministry of Business, Innovation, and Employment.