The spy chief and the payload: The story behind NZ’s first US spy satellite launchIn 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… Jun 11 20June 11, 2020Article at The Spinoff
Revealed: New Zealand’s role in the new American war-fighting frontier – spaceThe NZ Defence Force has become an active participant in US military-space war games, together with other Five Eyes partners. As the extent of involvement continues to grow, questions arise around the trade-offs, and the absence of any public debate.… Jan 13 20January 13, 2020Article at The Spinoff
Rhodes Scholars are meant to serve humanity. Crimson Education wanted them to tutor wealthy studentsAs controversy including a $10m lawsuit and ‘ghost’ offices continues to swirl around Jamie Beaton, his fellow Rhodes scholars have slammed him for trying to recruit them. Those who gain a prestigious Rhodes Scholarship must display “truth, courage,… Dec 10 19December 10, 2019Article at The Spinoff
Spying on Earth: Rocket Lab’s payloads get more and more interestingThe 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… Jul 31 19July 31, 2019Article at The Spinoff
‘She’ll be right’ attitude to Rocket Lab putting Nuclear Free NZ at risk, experts sayThe government has deliberately limited public understanding of Rocket Lab’s US military connections in order to support American security interests, documents show. Before the first rocket took off from Mahia Peninsula on the East Coast two years… May 16 19May 16, 2019Article at The Spinoff
Revealed: Rocket Lab has just made NZ a launch pad for US defence satellitesIts latest mission may be inadvertently exposing New Zealand to the militarisation of space, writes Ollie Neas. Rocket Lab made history on Sunday as its first ever mission for NASA made orbit from the Mahia Peninsula. The mission was the first… Dec 16 18December 16, 2018Article at The Spinoff
What lies inside Rocket Lab’s secret US military contracts?Rocket Lab is a celebrated New Zealand success story, with a stated mission to open access to space and improve life on Earth. Yet many of its key contracts are with the US military and their suppliers. Ollie Neas reports on the dark side of a local… Nov 19 18November 19, 2018Article at The Spinoff
