NanoAvionics 3U satellite assembly. Photo: NanoAvionics

Te Pūnaha Ātea Space Institute (TPA-SI) at the University of Auckland, New Zealand ordered two nanosatellite platforms from NanoAvionics to support educational and technology demonstration missions. The order, announced June 9, is NanoAvionics’ first commercial contract in New Zealand.

The platforms will be based on NanoAvionics’ 3U nanosatellite bus designed for small experiments and educational and science missions. 

“This contract with the University of Auckland, shortly after the deal with UNSW Sydney, signifies our continued strides and expansion into the Oceanian space market,” commented Vytenis J. Buzas, NanoAvionics CEO. 

The University of Auckland previously designed New Zealand’s first student-built satellite, APSS-1, on a 2020 Rocket Lab launch.