Space Operations New Zealand Ltd. was recognised at the DHL Export Southland 2022 Recognition Awards with a win in the NZAS Innovation in Export Award.
Space Ops NZ, which is 100% owned by Great South, delivers satellite antenna hosting and launch support services for the international ‘new space’ industry, with its main antenna hosting site at Awarua, between Invercargill and Bluff.
It became a stand-alone company 1 October 2021, having previously been a division of Great south activities.
Great South and Space Ops NZ Chairman Ian Collier said the award was a real endorsement that becoming a stand-alone company was an excellent move.
"It allows even greater scope for further innovation. Watch this space!"
Mr Collier acknowledged the work of Robin McNeill and Great South Strategic Projects Manager Steve Canny who made this dream of a satellite ground station at Awarua possible.
"Back in 2004 when the European Space Agency came knocking on the door, little did they know Southland had all the expertise required to establish a satellite ground station.
"Now Awarua is firmly on the map for the international small satellite and new space community."