Christchurch entrepreneur becomes first New Zealander in space

Sunday 1 June 2025 · 6 outlets · 4 reports · updated Mon 2 Jun 2025, 11:41am

In this story Blue Origin, Kea Aerospace, Mark Rocket

Kea Aerospace CEO Mark Rocket became the first New Zealander to travel to space during a Blue Origin NS-32 mission. Launching from west Texas early Sunday, the sub-orbital flight reached an altitude of 105km. Rocket described the intense experience as far exceeding his expectations.

How they headlined it

9h18h

Sun 7:22am4:02pm5:33pmMon 11:41am

1. Waikato Times via The PressSun 1 Jun 2025, 7:22am

   Christchurch’s own rocket man makes history: Mark Rocket becomes first Kiwi in space (opens in new tab)

   Also on The Post (opens in new tab), The Press (opens in new tab)

2. 1NewsSun 1 Jun 2025, 4:02pm

   Aerospace entrepreneur Mark Rocket makes history as first Kiwi in space (opens in new tab)

3. StuffSun 1 Jun 2025, 5:33pm

   First Kiwi in space is Christchurch’s Mark Rocket (opens in new tab)

4. NZ HeraldMon 2 Jun 2025, 11:41am

   Entrepreneur Mark Rocket makes history as first Kiwi in space on Blue Origin flight (opens in new tab)