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

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

With a straight down the middle approach, Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive on Newstalk ZB delivers the very latest news and views to New Zealanders as they wrap up their day.

Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive

Judith Collins: Space Minister on the new space infrastructure bill passing under urgency

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/7784f840-c291-422a-924b-ad9000bbad71/clips/74dd9c33-aaa1-4c6d-8778-b323006acafc/transcript