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Dr Grant Christie: Space is a very important economic step

Author
Newstalk ZB staff,
Publish Date
Mon, 22 May 2017, 7:32AM
The planned launch of the country's first commercial space rocket could prove to be lucrative in the long-term (Photo / Getty Images).

Dr Grant Christie: Space is a very important economic step

Author
Newstalk ZB staff,
Publish Date
Mon, 22 May 2017, 7:32AM

The planned launch of the country's first commercial space rocket could prove to be lucrative in the long-term.

The window for take off from Mahia Peninsula - near Gisborne - has opened, but it's not possible today because of high winds over the weekend.

Dr Grant Christie from Auckland's Stardome Observatory told Rachel Smalley space is a very important economic step.

He said the proton 9 rocket that's being sent up this week could eventually be used to launch tiny satellites or nano satellites.

"You can up whole flocks of these things, cheaply, so that's really going to be a game-changer."

Dr Christie said Auckland University will be making the small satellites and there's a lot of interest overseas.

He said this launch will be just a test, but there's a contract later in the year to send something to the Moon.

LISTEN ABOVE AS DR GRANT CHRISTIE OF AUCKLAND'S STARDOME OBSERVATORY SPEAKS TO RACHEL SMALLEY

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