Aerospace New Zealand joins global signatories to the Washington Compact, reaffirming its commitment to responsible commercial space operations
Christchurch, New Zealand, 31 October 2025 - Aerospace New Zealand has formally signed the Washington Compact on Norms of Behavior for Commercial Space Operations, marking a defining moment in the organisation's commitment to transparent, peaceful, and sustainable use of space.
The signing took place during the New Zealand Aerospace Summit 2025 in Ōtautahi Christchurch, a fitting location given the Summit’s theme “Open Skies: Leveraging New Zealand’s Low Air Traffic and Rapid Regulatory Environment.”
The Washington Compact, developed in partnership with the Hague Institute for Global Justice, establishes a framework for responsible commercial activity beyond Earth, encouraging collaboration between civil society, governments, and private enterprise. It outlines principles for safety, interoperability, transparency, and long-term sustainability, a code of conduct for the fast-growing commercial space economy.
“New Zealand’s aerospace sector has been built from the ground up by commercial visionaries, entrepreneurs, engineers, and scientists, rather than by state-run programmes,” said Mark Rocket, President of Aerospace New Zealand.
“That independence has made us agile, ethical, and globally respected. Signing the Washington Compact affirms that we’re not only innovators, but also responsible stewards of space.”
Unlike many nations where space capability originated in government agencies or defence institutions, New Zealand’s space economy is largely commercially driven. From launch services and advanced aviation to satellite manufacturing and data analytics, local companies have shaped a world-class ecosystem anchored in private initiative and public-good outcomes.
By joining the Compact, Aerospace New Zealand, representing an industry body of over 250 organisations, reinforces its commitment to open collaboration, sustainable growth, and responsible conduct across the global space community.
“New Zealand’s commitment to building sovereign space capabilities and a world-leading regulatory framework reflects the very spirit of The Washington Compact: collaboration, innovation, responsibility, and an understanding that national capability and international cooperation are not mutually exclusive. By signing The Washington Compact, Aerospace New Zealand and Space Ops New Zealand signal their dedication to advancing a future in which space serves humanity, strengthens national resilience, and fuels global progress. It is an honor to be joined by them as we raise the pillars for an interconnected and principled space economy.”
The Compact aligns closely with New Zealand’s regulatory philosophy, which emphasises accessibility, safety, and sustainability through frameworks such as the Civil Aviation Authority’s advanced aviation pathway and the New Zealand Space Agency’s transparent licensing model. Together, these ensure the nation remains one of the world’s most efficient testbeds for aerospace innovation.
As the Compact states, civil society and private enterprise are essential to the next era of exploration. Aerospace New Zealand’s participation ensures that New Zealand companies have a voice in shaping the ethical foundation of the space economy, one that values collaboration.
About the Washington Compact
Adopted in 2022 by the Hague Institute for Global Justice, the Washington Compact on Norms of Behavour for Commercial Space Operations provides a voluntary framework guiding civil-sector activities in Earth orbit and beyond. It encourages cooperation, safety, interoperability, and sustainable growth, ensuring that space remains a domain for peaceful use and shared benefit.
About Aerospace New Zealand
Aerospace New Zealand is the national industry body promoting the country’s aerospace sector across aviation, spaceflight, manufacturing, engineering, and data science. Through events, research, and advocacy, including the annual New Zealand Aerospace Summit, the organisation connects industry, academia, and government to accelerate innovation, sustainability, and global partnerships.
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