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Outer Space and High-altitude Activities Act 2017

Licences and permits - Ground-based space infrastructure

49E: Minister may vary, revoke, or suspend GBSI activity authorisation

You could also call this:

"The Minister can change or cancel a space activity permit at any time for important reasons."

Illustration for Outer Space and High-altitude Activities Act 2017

The Minister can change, cancel, or stop a GBSI activity authorisation at any time. You can think of a GBSI activity authorisation like a special permit that lets someone do certain activities in outer space. The Minister can do this with the permission of the person who holds the authorisation, or if the person who holds it asks the Minister to make a change.

The Minister can also make changes if they believe the person who holds the authorisation has broken the rules, or if they think it is necessary for national security or other important reasons. The Minister must consider whether a new condition is necessary or desirable to protect national security or give effect to New Zealand's international obligations when making changes to a GBSI activity authorisation.

If the Minister makes changes to a GBSI activity authorisation, they must do so in a way that follows the rules and considers what is best for New Zealand, and this is according to the Outer Space and High-altitude Activities Act 2017, which was amended by the Outer Space and High-altitude Activities Amendment Act 2025.

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View the original legislation for this page at https://legislation.govt.nz/act/public/1986/0120/latest/link.aspx?id=LMS1461717.

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49D: Conditions and obligations relating to GBSI activity authorisation, or

"Rules to follow if you're allowed to do space-related activities in New Zealand"

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"The Minister can ask you for information when you apply for or have a space licence"

Part 2Licences and permits
Ground-based space infrastructure

49EMinister may vary, revoke, or suspend GBSI activity authorisation

  1. The Minister may, at any time, vary a GBSI activity authorisation on any conditions that the Minister thinks fit, or suspend or revoke a GBSI activity authorisation,—

  2. with the prior written consent of the authorisation holder; or
    1. on the written application of the authorisation holder; or
      1. if the Minister believes on reasonable grounds that—
        1. the authorisation holder has breached this Act, regulations made under this Act, or a condition of the authorisation; or
          1. the authorisation holder no longer intends to carry out activities under the authorisation; or
            1. the revocation, variation, or suspension is necessary in the interests of national security, compliance with any of New Zealand’s international obligations, or other national interests; or
            2. for any other reason specified in the authorisation.

              1. When varying a GBSI activity authorisation under this section, the Minister must not impose a condition relating to the operation of GBSI unless the Minister considers the condition necessary or desirable in order to give effect to New Zealand’s international obligations or protect national security or other national interests.

              Notes
              • Section 49E: inserted, on , by section 7 of the Outer Space and High-altitude Activities Amendment Act 2025 (2025 No 38).