A research satellite, hosting the “Korimako” payload developed by the US Naval Postgraduate School, embarked on its journey into orbit last Thursday evening (21 March) NZT. The launch took place from Wallops Flight Facility, Virginia, situated in the eastern United States, courtesy of a Rocket Lab Electron rocket mission. A team of scientists from the New Zealand Defence Force’s (NZDF) Defence Science & Technology (DST) division will oversee and interact with Korimako via the Whangaparaoa Ground Station, located north of Auckland. Initial assessments indicate that Korimako successfully endured the launch process and is currently operational as anticipated.
Director of DST, David Galligan, expressed enthusiasm about this milestone achievement, remarking, “This is the first time the NZDF has had a payload put into space and represents an exciting milestone for both the NZDF and the wider New Zealand space enterprise.” While Korimako is not intended for operational deployment, it serves as a crucial tool for fostering local expertise in space science and technology, as well as facilitating space operations training within the NZDF.
Dr. Galligan elaborated on the research objectives, stating, “Our research aims to build practical experience in space science and technology, test processes for New Zealand Government space operations, and generate knowledge to enable future NZDF and wider government space development.” The successful launch of Korimako, he emphasized, underscores the significance of international collaboration in advancing New Zealand’s presence in space.
The satellite housing the Korimako payload measures approximately the size of a briefcase and orbits the Earth every 90 minutes at an altitude of about 515 km above the ground. Its orbit renders it invisible to the naked eye. The name “Korimako” was chosen for its significance; the beacon signal emitted by the payload resembles the distinctive call of the Korimako bird, native to New Zealand.
Korimako represents the first of two experimental payloads associated with native New Zealand birds. The second payload, named “Tui,” is slated for launch from the United States later this year. This ongoing endeavor marks a concerted effort to expand New Zealand’s footprint in the realm of space exploration, leveraging partnerships and fostering technological advancements that hold promise for both national defense and civilian applications.
As the NZDF and DST continue to monitor Korimako’s performance and delve into space science research, the successful integration of New Zealand-developed payloads into international space missions serves as a testament to the nation’s growing capabilities in the global space arena. With each milestone achieved, the groundwork is laid for further advancements and contributions to the burgeoning field of space exploration, bolstering New Zealand’s position as a key player in the space community.
