University of Auckland

The Space Institute – Te Pūnaha Ātea – is a multidisciplinary centre of expertise in space science and engineering, with a capability to execute space missions and develop applications. It carries out applied research in space science, engineering, and applications of space data, and runs educational activities. The institute works with national and international establishments, industrial partners, and academic institutions. It applies research findings to develop engineering solutions, from original ideas to modelling, proof of concept (Manufacture, Assembly, Integration and Test), and in-orbit demonstrations. The institute has direct access to space for in-orbit demonstrations of technologies and is developing a multifunctional mission control capability to operate satellites and payloads. It has developed the TPA-1 CubeSat, a 3U CubeSat, which serves as a technology demonstration and validation of in-house processes and infrastructure for mission development, delivery, and operations. TPA-1 includes a drag sail for deorbiting, a deployable boom, and Earth Observation cameras. The institute's involvement with space research began with the Auckland Programme for Space Systems (APSS). It is headquartered in New Zealand.