The spy chief and the payload: The story behind NZ’s first US spy satellite launch

In January a US spy satellite was launched from New Zealand for the first time. Ahead of the launch of another three satellites for the National Reconnaissance Office, Ollie Neas investigates the ever deepening ties between Rocket Lab, NZ authorities and America’s most secret military and intelligence agencies. This investigation is made possible by Spinoff … Read more

Spying on Earth: Rocket Lab’s payloads get more and more interesting

The launch of satellites for private companies that sell data to spy agencies raises fresh concerns about New Zealand’s fledgling space industry, Ollie Neas writes.  A satellite on board Rocket Lab’s most recent mission will collect data for US spy agencies, among other customers.  The satellite belongs to US private intelligence company BlackSky and raises … Read more

Rocket Lab just launched another payload for the US military. It’s time we talked about it

The Kiwi success story is working for an agency that developed stealth aircraft and the scheme to bombard Vietnam with Agent Orange. After weather delays and problems with a dodgy video transmitter, Rocket Lab finally launched its first mission of 2019 this week. As it’s usually told, the story of New Zealand’s entrance into the space … Read more