The 2024 Aerospace Summit in Christchurch brought together a lineup of industry leaders, entrepreneurs, and policymakers to discuss the latest trends and future directions of aerospace. It was an exciting opportunity to witness some of the most innovative ideas shaping this fast-growing sector, with a special mention for Zenno Astronautics and Dawn Aerospace during their quick-fire presentations. Zenno’s recognition as a recipient of the Ārohia Trailblazer Grant highlighted the impressive strides companies are making in sustainable aerospace. Here are my key takeaways from the summit.

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1. Sustainability in Aerospace

Sustainability was the focus throughout the event. Charity Weeden from NASA shared NASA’s ambitious goal of achieving zero emissions in aviation by 2050. Central to this goal are technologies like electric propulsion and a new, more efficient single-aisle plane, which is expected by 2028. These innovations represent the industry's effort to lower aviation’s environmental impact while keeping pace with the growing demand for air travel.

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Additionally, NASA’s work in Earth system science—using satellites to monitor environmental changes—offers valuable data that can help industries reduce their carbon footprints. For example, satellites are being used to track methane emissions, helping industries identify areas for improvement and make more sustainable choices. This use of aerospace technologies to support environmental goals was a key highlight of the summit, underscoring the potential for aerospace to contribute to the fight against climate change.

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The Championing Aerospace for Good panel further explored how space technologies can be used to benefit humanity and the environment. Whether it's monitoring climate change from space or developing greener aviation technologies, the industry’s commitment to sustainability is clear. Heidi Hauf outlined four key pathways to decarbonising aviation: fleet renewal, operational efficiency, renewable energy, and advanced technology. Of these, Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) holds particular promise, as it can be blended with existing jet fuels to lower emissions without requiring extensive changes to current aircraft.

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2. The Importance of Regulations and Policies

Effective regulations and supportive policies are essential for the aerospace industry’s continued growth, and New Zealand is taking active steps to lead in this area. Judith Collins, New Zealand’s first Minister for Space, emphasised the government’s strong backing for the sector. By 2025, New Zealand plans to implement a world-class regulatory framework that will enable safe and efficient testing and development of aerospace technologies.

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The government’s newly released New Zealand Aerospace Strategy highlights its focus on fostering innovation while ensuring the necessary safety standards are in place. This strategy also reflects a broader goal of diversifying the country’s economy, which has traditionally relied on agriculture and tourism. Aerospace offers a new frontier for economic growth, and the introduction of initiatives like the Prime Minister’s Space Prizes and the New Zealand Space Scholarships for NASA projects are used to inspire and support the next generation of aerospace innovators.

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Hidetaka Aoki from Global Brain and Space Port Japan echoed the importance of strong government engagement, particularly in supporting innovation. He noted that public-private partnerships are key to driving forward the aerospace sector, especially as regulatory frameworks must evolve rapidly to keep pace with the sector’s innovation.

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3. The Future of Aerospace: Hydrogen, Sustainable Fuels, and Space Debris

Hydrogen-powered flight and Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) were key topics at the summit, particularly in discussions about the future of aerospace. Hydrogen technology is emerging as a promising alternative to traditional jet fuel, with Airbus aiming to have hydrogen-powered commercial planes flying by 2035. Hydrogen offers a cleaner, more efficient fuel source, but significant investment in infrastructure, such as refuelling stations, is still required to make it viable on a large scale.

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Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF), meanwhile, is already being developed and tested. SAF can be blended with current jet fuels, offering a practical and immediate way to reduce emissions without needing to replace existing aircraft fleets. The industry sees SAF as a major component of reaching its net-zero emissions goals by 2050, and it was clear from the summit that both SAF and hydrogen will play significant roles in the future of flight.

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Another growing concern discussed during the summit was space debris. With over 2,000 defunct spacecraft and nearly 10,000 operational ones orbiting Earth, managing the increasing amount of debris is becoming critical. This debris poses a danger to space operations and must be addressed as the industry expands its presence in space. Developing strategies to model, measure, and mitigate space debris is essential for the long-term sustainability of aerospace and space exploration.

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Finally, the summit also highlighted the potential for aerospace technology and data to help meet global climate goals. NASA is using satellite data for Earth observation missions that track everything from climate variables to disaster resilience. In New Zealand, where agriculture accounts for 85% of emissions, this kind of technology can be invaluable for tracking and mitigating the country’s environmental impact. Using data to make better decisions about everything from methane leaks to crop management is one of the ways aerospace can have a profound impact on both the environment and the economy.

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Conclusion

The 2024 Aerospace Summit was an inspiring look at the future of the aerospace industry, with a strong emphasis on sustainability, innovation, and government support. Whether it’s the development of hydrogen-powered planes, the rollout of SAF, or the management of space debris, the aerospace industry is tackling some of the world’s biggest challenges head-on.

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As New Zealand continues to grow in this sector, the future looks incredibly bright. I look forward to seeing how these innovations unfold and am excited to connect with startups and innovators who are passionate about this industry. Feel free to reach out—let’s collaborate and shape the future of aerospace together.

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