Earth - sky - infinity : New Zealand’s emerging space program
Date
2018Citation:
Forlong, K. (2018). Earth - sky - infinity : New Zealand’s emerging space program. (Unpublished document submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Architecture (Professional)). Unitec Institute of Technology, Auckland, New Zealand. Retrieved from https://hdl.handle.net/10652/4567Permanent link to Research Bank record:
https://hdl.handle.net/10652/4567Abstract
RESEARCH QUESTION:
How can the culture and landscape of New Zealand be integrated into the framework of Rocket Lab and Launch Complex One, to produce innovation and precedent for the future of New Zealand tourism?
ABSTRACT:
The world is in a constant and continuous state of flux. Technology, culture, and society has evolved more rapidly in 20 years, than the previous 100. With the speed that society is moving, anything can become popular then be forgotten in the blink of an eye. Tourism is an especially volatile industry and is no stranger to this reality. Where competition is rife, ideas can sink just as quickly as they begin to swim.
Space has captivated the minds of the young and old alike for years. However the development of space tourism has been slow. Beyond the construction of new visitor centres, the business of witnessing a space craft launching has not changed much at all. This project utilises the New Zealand Space Program and the industry leading company Rocket Lab, to redefine rocket tourism in the 21st century. While NASA have had an established tourism sector for decades, Rocket Lab offers New Zealand their own unique chance to make a go of it. The Mahia Peninsula shall serve as the testing ground for the development of a unique view of rocket launches. This shall be achieved by infusing the rockets launch with the rich natural and cultural heritage of New Zealand. In addition, this project shall also explore tourist infrastructure to support such a venture with the same goal in mind.
This project shall form the basis for a new model for rocket tourism, one which is applicable to further rocket launch sites around New Zealand and the world.