A new law on space infrastructure is being described as immediately enhancing national security.

The bill's passed under urgency today, and requires a Government permit for anyone wanting to operate ground-based space infrastructure, like a launch pad.

Permission can be removed if the security risk can't be managed.

Space Minister Judith Collins says there are risks from so much banking and communication being done through satellites.

"That sort of information could be pulled off those satellites - or copied."

LISTEN ABOVE