Utilizing our propellant-less propulsion system to conduct extended missions to the moon, outer planets, asteroid belt, and beyond - collecting unprecedented data with our specialized scientific instruments (like Magnetometers, Gravimeters, Radio Spectrum Receivers). This opens up new avenues for understanding the solar system's origins, planetary composition, and the search for potential extraterrestrial life.
Deploying satellites with advanced Visible, Infrared, and Ultraviolet cameras to provide highly detailed and comprehensive data for climate change monitoring, natural resource management, disaster prediction and response, and urban planning.
By potentially utilizing the close-range Metal Detector, to assess the metallic composition of asteroids and other celestial bodies, laying groundwork for future resource extraction.
Our company's core business is the specialized design, fabrication, and extensive testing of advanced robotic satellites for interplanetary exploration, leveraging unique propellant-less propulsion technology. Our product is a highly capable robotic satellite, designed to investigate other planets, moons, and asteroids across the solar system. Our key capability lies in our deep expertise across satellite technologies, from initial concept to rigorous pre-launch validation. Our technical capabilities, staffing, and equipment for this project are detailed in the company information section.
We do not engage in rocket design or manufacturing, and we also do not handle the physical transportation of our satellites to launch sites. For launch services, we will strategically partner with specialized providers like Rocket Lab - due to their history with interplanetary launches, the capability of their Neutron rocket for larger payloads, and their crucial global communication network, including radio telescope hardware, which is essential for deep space missions.
Regarding the transportation of the satellite, we will use a specialized partner. They will be responsible for providing custom-fit, climate-controlled, and vibration-dampened containers to safely transport the satellite. This partner will also handle detailed logistics, and provide real-time tracking from our facility to Rocket Lab's launch site at the Māhia Peninsula. Our team will handle the packing of the satellite, as well as the unpacking and rebuilding once it arrives at the launch site.
We have chosen Yusen Logistics as the primary shipping company to get our satellite(divided into large parts) safely and reliably transported to Rocket Lab's launch site.They have a dedicated aerospace allocation, which means they are not just a general freight company but one that understands the specific demands of this sector. They highlight their expertise in handling a wide range of aerospace-related transport capabilities.
For transporting our RTG we need to contact the Office of Radiation Safety directly. As the regulatory body for New Zealand, they will provide a list of approved and licensed transport companies with the legal and technical capability to ship Class 7 radioactive materials.
In terms of legal requirements, as the owner and operator of the robotic satellite, our company is legally required to obtain a Payload Permit from the New Zealand government, specifically the Minister for Space (administered by the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment - MBIE), under the Outer Space and High-altitude Activities Act 2017. This is a crucial authorization that confirms our satellite's design is safe, its operations are responsible, and it aligns with both national interests and international space law. This includes providing an orbital debris mitigation plan.
We must also secure Ground-Based Space Infrastructure (GBSI) Authorization for activities related to our satellite's communication, tracking, and control - ensuring robust cybersecurity and compliance with the Outer Space and High-altitude Activities Amendment Bill, which includes due diligence for partners like Rocket Lab.
We are responsible for securing all necessary radio spectrum licenses from New Zealand's Radio Spectrum Management (RSM) for our satellite's communication frequencies, and establishing data sharing agreements with Rocket Lab to ensure secure, live data feeds from their network to our offices, while complying with New Zealand's Telecommunications Act.
Getting our satellite into its exact orbital path is incredibly precise. We need to hit a very specific inclination and altitude, or even line it up for a rendezvous point if in case the satellite needs re-entry(whether it's planned or an emergency). This means the launch must occur when Earth's rotation perfectly aligns with our desired trajectory, creating incredibly narrow “launch windows” that might only last minutes on certain days.
Reserving these time slots are also critical for a few key reasons:
Advancing human knowledge: The venture directly contributes to humanity's understanding of the cosmos. Data from the planetary science missions could help answer fundamental questions about the origins of our solar system, the composition of celestial bodies, and the potential for life beyond Earth.
Inspiration for a new generation: Ambitious space ventures have a powerful effect on the public imagination. The success of such a mission can inspire a new generation of students to pursue careers in STEM(Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics), ensuring a pipeline of future innovators and problem-solvers.
Environmental stewardship: The Earth observation capabilities provide critical data for climate scientists, oceanographers, and ecologists. This data is essential for monitoring climate change, tracking pollution, managing natural resources, and responding to natural disasters, directly contributing to a healthier planet.
Job creation: Developing and operating a venture of this complexity requires a highly skilled workforce, leading to the creation of high-paying jobs in engineering, data science, project management, and a variety of scientific fields.
New revenue streams: The core benefit is the creation of new, high-value revenue streams through the sale of specialized data, mission contracts, and technology licensing. This positions the company to be a major player in the “New Space” economy.
Stimulating innovation: The challenges of building and launching a deep-space satellite naturally drive innovation. The development of advanced materials, new propulsion systems, and sophisticated data analysis techniques can lead to patents, intellectual property, and technology that can be licensed to other industries.
International collaboration and diplomacy: Partnering with research institutions and governments from around the world on scientific missions fosters international cooperation and builds diplomatic bridges. Space exploration has a history of uniting nations toward a common, peaceful goal.
Enabling future industries: The venture acts as a critical enabler for the emerging space resource sector. By providing initial prospecting data, the company helps reduce the risk for upcoming asteroid mining and lunar extraction projects, which could one day provide vital resources for humanity.
Market leadership: By being a first-mover in key areas such as deep space prospecting and innovative propulsion. This strategy will give us a strong competitive advantage and build a powerful brand reputation.
Deep space exploration: Deeper insights into the formation of our solar system, the composition of distant celestial bodies, and the potential for life beyond Earth. Data from magnetometers, gravimeters, and radio spectrum receivers will enhance our understanding of planetary geophysics, magnetic fields, and atmospheric interactions on a universal scale.
Enhance earth science: Our advanced Earth observational components (Visible, IR, UV cameras) provide richer, more diverse data streams, leading to:
Improving technologies: The challenges of satellite design and deep space exploration often lead to breakthroughs in materials science, electronics, software, and power generation that find applications in a multitude of industries on Earth(for example, advancing battery tech, sensors, discovering more durable materials, etc).
Job Creation: Our activities directly contribute to high-skill job creation in engineering, manufacturing, research, data science, and mission operations.
Commercial Opportunities in Space:
To Inspire and Educate:
ODS's activities are not merely about launching hardware into space; they are about expanding human knowledge, driving economic prosperity, enhancing global well-being, and inspiring the next generation.
Our ambitious deep space missions ignite a sense of wonder, encourage STEM pursuits, and drive technological innovations that directly benefit life on Earth.
Leading universities and research groups need a partner to build the advanced technology for their specialized scientific missions. We provide expertise in creating and integrating unique scientific instruments for their projects, whether they're studying Earth's atmosphere or exploring other planets and systems.
Companies that want to mine asteroids or extract resources from the Moon need a durable and easy-to-maneuver spacecraft. We provide the specialized technology for these long trips, including a metal detector to help them find and survey potential mining sites.