Reviewing regulations for space vehicle jettison debris in the Exclusive Economic Zone

Overview

The Government consulted on a review of space launch debris regulations for New Zealand’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ).

Between 6 and 19 October, the Ministry for the Environment ran public consultation to review regulations that limit the amount of space launch debris that can fall in the EEZ. This review is required because the launch limit is likely to be reached in late 2026.  

After this, companies launching space vehicle will require costly individual marine consents that can take at least 6 months to process. The review aims to set new regulations to enable space launches to continue within clear environmental limits.

We sought feedback from parties with interests in the EEZ about the effects of space vehicle jettison debris on: 

• The water column and seabed in the EEZ 
• shipping, fishing and other commercial activities in the EEZ 
• our international obligations. 

The review covers regulation 8A of the Exclusive Economic Zone and Continental Shelf (Environmental Effects – Permitted Activities) Regulations 2013.

The review will not look at: 

• Launch licensing or payload contents (covered by the Outer Space Act 2017) 
• Effects of launches on land or the territorial sea (RMA 1991) 
• Effects of launches on airspace or outer space. 

Read the discussion document on reviewing regulations for space vehicle jettison debris in the EEZ

Read the ecological risk assessment

Webinar

We hosted a webinar on changes to the space launch regulations on 8 October 2025. 

Watch the webinar (YouTube)

What happens next

This consultation closed on 17 October 2025.

Submissions will be analysed to inform policy and government decisions.

If you have any further questions, please email marine@mfe.govt.nz.