The New Zealand Space Agency is facing scrutiny after refusing to explain why control of the MethaneSAT satellite has not been transferred to the University of Auckland as planned. The delay raises concerns about transparency, taxpayer accountability, and the future of New Zealand’s role in the space sector.
A $30 Million Investment with Unmet Expectations
MethaneSAT, launched in March 2024, is a climate-monitoring satellite designed to track methane emissions worldwide. The project, led by the U.S.-based Environmental Defense Fund (EDF), received a significant financial contribution—nearly $30 million—from the New Zealand government. Part of that investment was intended to establish a Mission Operations Control Centre (MOCC) at the University of Auckland, where students and staff would gain hands-on experience operating the satellite.
Initially, the plan was for Rocket Lab to manage mission control in Auckland for several months before transitioning operations to the university by late 2024. However, that transfer has not occurred, and the New Zealand Space Agency has declined to explain why.
Silence from Officials
When questioned about the delay, the Space Agency cited commercial sensitivity and confidentiality, offering only a vague assurance that an update would be provided within two weeks. The agency has also withheld details of internal discussions about the satellite’s operation under the Official Information Act, further fueling frustration over a lack of transparency.
Documents obtained by RNZ through an information request reveal that urgent discussions took place between the agency, Rocket Lab, and the university regarding staffing levels. The University of Auckland also requested additional funding for its role in the project. However, most of the substantive content in over 500 pages of emails was redacted, leaving little insight into the reasons behind the delayed handover.
Both the university and Rocket Lab declined to comment, directing all inquiries back to the Space Agency.
Concerns Over Technical Issues and Data Delays
Uncertainty about the satellite’s operational status has added to speculation. Some in the science community have raised concerns about persistent technical issues affecting MethaneSAT since its launch. The satellite was originally expected to start delivering a full stream of data in late 2024, but as of early 2025, that data has yet to appear on its public platform.
MethaneSAT’s U.S.-based team acknowledged in October that commissioning the satellite had taken longer than expected, citing challenges with new technology. However, they maintained that there were no “notable or particular complications beyond what would be expected.” The New Zealand Space Agency has refused to confirm whether it is satisfied with that assessment.
Impact on Students and New Zealand’s Space Sector
For the University of Auckland, the delay is more than just a bureaucratic issue—it directly affects students who were supposed to gain real-world experience controlling the satellite and analysing its data. The project was seen as a critical step in building New Zealand’s space industry, and the handover was expected to strengthen the country’s expertise in satellite operations.
Rocket Lab’s contract to operate MethaneSAT’s mission control ends on February 28, leaving further uncertainty about whether the university will ultimately take over as planned. If the handover does not occur, it could have long-term implications for New Zealand’s space ambitions and its ability to attract future international collaborations.
Calls for Transparency and Accountability
With nearly $30 million in taxpayer funding invested in MethaneSAT, critics argue that the government owes the public a clear explanation for the delay. The project was intended to build national capability in space operations, but the ongoing secrecy raises concerns about whether those goals are being met.
While the Space Agency insists that the mission is still contributing to New Zealand’s space sector, the lack of transparency has undermined confidence in how the project is being managed. Until officials provide clearer answers, the future of MethaneSAT’s operations in New Zealand remains uncertain.