Rocket Lab now plans to scale Mynaric production capacity, making industry-leading satellite laser communication technology available at the volume and speed demanded by commercial and government satellite customers across Europe, the United States, and rest of world LONG BEACH, Calif., April 14, 2026 - Rocket Lab Corporation (Nasdaq: RKLB) (“Rocket Lab” or “the Company”), a global leader in launch services and space systems, today announced it has completed the acquisition of Mynaric AG (“Mynaric”), a leading provider of laser optical communications terminals for air, space, and mobile applications. Rocket Lab paid an aggregate consideration value of $155.3 million consisting of a nominal cash payment and 2,277,002 shares of Rocket Lab’s Common Stock. The acquisition further strengthens Rocket Lab’s extensive capabilities as a leading launch provider, spacecraft manufacturer, and supplier of satellite components at scale to the global space market. “Laser communication is a key enabler for satellite constellations, but it has long been a supply chain pain point for commercial and government constellation operators. High-performing and cost-effective products simply have not been available in high volumes. That changes today with Mynaric now officially part of Rocket Lab,” said Sir Peter Beck, founder and CEO of Rocket Lab. “We have a strong track record of unlocking satellite subsystem bottlenecks, making industry-leading technology affordable and available at scale. We look forward to joining forces with the Mynaric team to do the same for laser communications.” The completion of the transaction comes after successful review and approval by Germany’s Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy. Mynaric will continue to be headquartered in Munich, Germany, establishing Rocket Lab’s first European footprint and enabling the Company to expand its ability to support German and broader European space programs. An important driving factor behind the acquisition decision was Rocket Lab’s extensive insight into the Mynaric team and technology, thanks to Mynaric providing CONDOR Mk3 optical communication terminals for Rocket Lab's $1.3 billion prime contracts to produce 36 satellites for the Space Development Agency (SDA) Proliferated Warfighter Space Architecture. This relationship gave Rocket Lab a high degree of confidence in the Mynaric team and technology, while also giving the Company insight into how the products could be scaled and efficiencies achieved to meet rapidly growing customer demand. Mynaric is also a supplier to other SDA contracts, and Mynaric and Rocket Lab share many customers spanning commercial constellation operators, satellite prime contractors, and defense and civil government agencies. + Media Inquiries Morgan Connaughton media@rocketlabusa.com + Investor Inquiries investors@rocketlabusa.com + About Rocket Lab About Rocket Lab Rocket Lab is a leading space company that provides launch services, spacecraft, payloads and satellite components serving commercial, government, and national security markets. Rocket Lab’s Electron rocket is the world’s most frequently launched orbital small rocket; its HASTE rocket provides hypersonic test launch capability for the U.S. government and allied nations; and its Neutron launch vehicle in development will unlock medium launch for constellation deployment, national security and exploration missions. Rocket Lab’s spacecraft and satellite components have enabled more than 1,700 missions spanning commercial, defense and national security missions including GPS, constellations, and exploration missions to the Moon, Mars, and Venus. Rocket Lab is a publicly listed company on the Nasdaq stock exchange (RKLB). Learn more at www.rocketlabcorp.com. Forward Looking Statements This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. We intend such forward-looking statements to be covered by the safe harbor provisions for forward-looking statements contained in Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”) and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”). All statements contained in this press release other than statements of historical fact, including, without limitation, statements regarding our launch and space systems operations, launch schedule and window, safe and repeatable access to space, Neutron development, operational expansion and business strategy, are forward-looking statements. The words “believe,” “may,” “will,” “estimate,” “potential,” “continue,” “anticipate,” “intend,” “expect,” “strategy,” “future,” “could,” “would,” “project,” “plan,” “target,” and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements, though not all forward-looking statements use these words or expressions. These statements are neither promises nor guarantees, but involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other important factors that may cause our actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements, including but not limited to the factors, risks and uncertainties included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2025, as such factors may be updated from time to time in our other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”), accessible on the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov and the Investor Relations section of our website at https://investors.rocketlabcorp.com which could cause our actual results to differ materially from those indicated by the forward-looking statements made in this press release. Any such forward-looking statements represent management’s estimates as of the date of this press release. While we may elect to update such forward-looking statements at some point in the future, we disclaim any obligation to do so, even if subsequent events cause our views to change.
Maxigesic Rapid in the US (marketed as Combogesic Rapid) is now set to be distributed through Cost Plus, the public benefit organisation founded in 2022 with the backing of the US billionaire and Shark Tank star Mark Cuban. Cost Plus was established to lower the distribution costs of medicine. Since its founding in 2022 it has grown rapidly and now stocks more than 2,300 commonly prescribed medicines. It distributes these medicines, online and through affiliated pharmacies at cost plus a 15% markup2 and its reach extends to all 50 US states. AFT is now concentrating on this channel to market Maxigesic Rapid for the main markets in the US, while Alexso will continue to distribute the medicine for the market segments of its distribution arrangements we disclosed in 2024 and Hikma will continue to distribute the intravenous form of the medicine. Finally, AFT continues to expand its portfolio of medicines in this market including our Liposachet range, Kiwisoothe, and Optisoothe range. These medicines are available through Amazon presently with other channels currently under negotiation.
Source: https://investors.aftpharm.com/
The Minister was invited to visit Washington DC this week by US Secretary of State, Marco Rubio. They met on Tuesday morning (US time), and discussed:
- US/NZ bilateral relations. The Secretary and the Minister traversed the warm, wide-ranging, and longstanding relationship between New Zealand and the United States - including on defence & security and trade & economic matters. They discussed the ongoing conversations led by our Trade Ministers on the issue of tariffs as well as the ongoing dialogue between our two governments on critical minerals cooperation.
- The conflict in the Middle East. Secretary Rubio outlined US progress towards ending the war. Minister Peters outlined the significant negative economic impacts on New Zealand, and our Pacific neighbours, arising from the war - and New Zealand’s desire to see dialogue and de-escalation. Given the impacts on the Indo-Pacific of Iran’s closure of the Strait of Hormuz, Minister Peters and Secretary Rubio stressed the crucial importance countries around the world attach to international law as it applies to freedom of navigation. - The Pacific Islands region. The Minister outlined New Zealand’s aspiration as host of next year’s Pacific Islands Forum, invited Secretary Rubio to attend, and encouraged the United States to continue to play a fulsome role in the region in close cooperation with New Zealand and Australia. Secretary Rubio and Minister Peters discussed priority matters in the Pacific, including energy supply chain issues and transnational organised crime. - The Indo-Pacific. The Minister and the Secretary discussed the shared strategic interests of New Zealand and the United States in the Indo-Pacific region, as two Pacific democracies.
Source: https://x.com/NewZealandMFA
Investment strengthens PartsTrader’s open procurement platform across the collision repair ecosystem SAN DIEGO – April 1, 2026 – Enlyte, a leader in technology, networks and services for the property and casualty industry, announced today it has completed its acquisition of PartsTrader, a leading parts procurement marketplace for auto insurers and collision repairers. The acquisition unites two complementary businesses within Enlyte’s Auto Physical Damage portfolio. PartsTrader will be a wholly owned subsidiary of Enlyte and continue to operate as an independent entity alongside Mitchell’s Auto Physical Damage division. Both organizations will maintain their distinct identities while benefiting from the collective strength of the Enlyte portfolio. “Today Enlyte takes a major step in our ongoing commitment to provide the auto physical damage claims and collision repair industries with comprehensive, innovative solutions designed to improve outcomes,” said Alex Sun, CEO of Enlyte. “This acquisition represents a strategic investment, unlocking long-term value for our customers by helping them enhance efficiency, expand workflow enablement and enjoy customer-controlled data usage across ecosystems.” Based in Chicago and Wellington, New Zealand, PartsTrader provides an efficient, market-driven parts procurement platform allowing collision repair facilities, parts suppliers and insurance carriers to make more accurate decisions regarding part-type, price and availability. Under Enlyte, it will continue to maintain full connectivity with all information providers, estimating systems, suppliers and partners while also collaborating with Mitchell to deliver even greater customer impact. Mark Lindner will lead the PartsTrader team as Executive Vice President and General Manager, reporting to Sun. Steve Messenger will retire as PartsTrader CEO. “PartsTrader has been long committed to providing measurable outcomes for repairers, insurers and suppliers,” said Lindner. “We look forward to working with Enlyte in shaping the future of collision repair together.” Raymond James & Associates and Goldman Sachs & Co. LLC served as financial advisors to Enlyte, and Kirkland & Ellis LLP and Quigg Partners served as legal counsel. The financial terms of the transaction are not being disclosed. About Enlyte Enlyte is a P&C industry leader providing claims technology innovations and connectivity solutions, specialty networks, case management, pharmacy benefit and disability management services. Serving over 2,000 entities, including a majority of Fortune 500 employers, Enlyte leverages its portfolio of solutions to simplify processes and improve outcomes for auto, workers’ compensation and disability claims. About Mitchell Mitchell International Inc. is a leader in the development of innovative auto physical damage technology solutions. Combining decades of experience with an open platform, proprietary data and intelligent, cloud-first applications, we help insurance carriers, collision repairers and vehicle manufacturers protect dreams and restore lives. Each day, more than 20,000 organizations turn to Mitchell for support efficiently managing claims and safely returning consumers to the road. For more information, follow Mitchell on Facebook or LinkedIn. About PartsTrader As the world’s leading parts procurement marketplace, PartsTrader brings together repair shops, parts suppliers, and insurance carriers on one efficient, market-driven platform. PartsTrader helps repair shops make more accurate decisions regarding part-type, price, and availability. Suppliers can quickly grow their market presence and instantly reach thousands of new shops while improving the way they serve their current customers. Insurance carriers gain transparency into the parts procurement process and access to valuable market data, allowing them to increase accuracy and efficiency on every claim. PartsTrader LLC, based in Chicago, is privately held.
Source: https://www.partstrader.com/
Foreign Minister Winston Peters will travel to Washington D.C. this week. “The current global context is the most challenging New Zealand has faced in the past 80 years,” Mr Peters says. “In times as complex as these, we highly value opportunities to meet face to face.” While in Washington, Mr Peters will meet with Secretary of State Marco Rubio among others. “We intend to discuss our shared commitments to cooperate in the Pacific and Indo-Pacific, as well as significant international developments – particularly the conflict in the Middle East and its impacts on our region.” “These meetings will advance New Zealand’s diplomatic, security and economic interests and facilitate greater mutual understanding of our respective priorities.” Mr Peters leaves New Zealand later today (6 April) and returns on Friday (10 April).
Source: https://www.beehive.govt.nz/
The White House marked the first anniversary of its April 2, 2025, “Liberation Day” tariff announcements by introducing new Section 232 tariffs on patented pharmaceuticals and associated inputs—with exceptions for specific firms and countries—and changes to the Section 232 derivative tariffs on steel, aluminum, and copper that will raise costs for some firms but lower them for some.
Tariffs on Medicines: As outlined in an April 2 fact sheet and proclamation, the new Section 232 tariff will be set at 100% for patented pharmaceuticals and associated pharmaceutical ingredients, entering into effect “in 120 days for certain large companies, and 180 days for smaller companies.” However, a range of exceptions and qualifiers apply: No Duties for Dealmakers: The fact sheet notes that for “companies that enter into Most Favored Nation (MFN) pricing agreements with the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and onshoring agreements with the Department of Commerce, a 0% tariff will apply through January 20, 2029.” The administration indicates it may waive tariffs for companies engaging in good faith negotiations toward these two classes of agreements. Companies that only enter into onshoring agreements will face a 20% tariff. Country Deals, Too: A reduced tariff rate of 15% will apply for products imported from the European Union, Japan, Korea, or Switzerland and Liechtenstein; a separate agreement reached this week with the UK appears to offer duty-free treatment. Exceptions Listed: Many medicines will be spared new tariffs, including generics, biosimilars, orphan drugs, nuclear medicines, plasma derived therapies, fertility treatments, cell and gene therapies, pharmaceuticals for animal health, and others. Emphasis on the Carveouts: Recognizing the risk that tariffs will drive up medicine costs for American consumers, U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer told the press: “It’s less what’s the tariff level and it’s more all of the actual deals we’ve been making with countries and companies to make sure that the supply chains are secure and we’re making them here in America.” Tariffs on Metals: As outlined in an April 2 fact sheet and proclamation, the existing 50% tariff on steel, aluminum, and copper will remain while changes are introduced in the treatment of derivatives—that is, manufactured goods that contain these metals (listed in Annex I of the proclamation). The move is expected to raise tariff costs for some firms and reduce them for others. Three Tiers: Going forward, the 50% rate will apply for derivatives that are entirely or almost entirely made of these three metals; a 25% rate will apply for derivatives where these metals represent more than 15% by weight; and no tariff will apply for products whose metals content is below that 15% weight threshold.
Rate Down, Bills Up? While the tariff on many derivatives will be reduced from 50% to 25%, it will now apply to the full value of the product rather than solely the metal content. While simplifying an onerous and ill-explained compliance task, many companies expect this change will raise their tariff bills. Industrial, Electrical Equipment: In what appears to be an expansion in scope, industrial equipment, robots, and electrical equipment will now pay a 15% tariff through 2027 (rising to 25% in 2028) “to accelerate the massive industrial base buildout currently underway across the United States,” according to the fact sheet. This marks a significant and potentially painful development for U.S. manufacturing and badly needed investments in U.S. electricity production. Inclusions Process Scrapped: Offering possible relief from future tariffs, the proclamation terminates the “inclusions process” for steel, aluminum, and copper derivatives, marking a win for the U.S. Chamber and its members, who have advocated for this change and others for months. While the proclamation authorizes USTR and Commerce to include additional derivatives on a rolling basis, pressure from industry and from foreign governments appears to have tamped down interest in continual expansion of the universe of tariffed goods. And Some Carveouts: As noted, the Section 232 metals tariffs no longer apply to products for which steel, aluminum, and copper constitute less than 15% of their value. This de minimis exception may represent relief for a fairly large range of products. In addition, an esoteric list of goods now excluded entirely from the Section 232 duties appears in Annex II, including milk and cream products, shampoo, helium, bakeware, and parts for cribs.
Sourece: www.uschamber.com
IEEPA Tariff Refund System Takes Shape (Updated)
Since the Supreme Court invalidated the tariffs imposed under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) on February 20, the U.S. Court of International Trade (CIT) has been engaging on a weekly basis with Customs and Border Protection (CBP) to expedite refunds. In early March, CBP shared its plans for an expedited and simplified tariff refund system over the past week. The U.S. Chamber welcomed the initial CBP proposal, and the agency indicated it will be able to launch the system within 45 days (by about April 20).
Big Numbers: More than 330,000 companies paid a total of approximately $166 billion in IEEPA duties that must be refunded. The system proposed by CBP will refund these duties to importers through CBP’s Automated Commercial Environment (ACE) system, which is well known to importers. CBP told the CIT on March 6 that it “is confident that it can develop and implement new ACE functionality that will streamline and consolidate refunds and interest payments on an importer basis, rather than issuing 53,173,939 separate entry-specific refunds with multiple payments going to the same importer.”
CAPE of Good Hope: In a declaration filed with CIT, CBP explained that it is developing the Consolidated Administration and Processing of Entries (CAPE) system to refund duties imposed under IEEPA. This new ACE functionality will have four integrated components:
As of the end of March, most but not all elements have been constructed and are in testing.
Interest Where Due: U.S. law requires payment of interest, which is accrued from the date the importer of record deposits estimated duties until the date of liquidation or reliquidation, for the invalidated tariffs. The interest rate is 6% at present. CIT has noted that “interest is accumulating every day, with approximately $650 million accruing per month,” a fact that hopefully will incentivize expeditious refunds.
Refunds for All Entries: A large majority of IEEPA-tariffed entries have not been liquidated, and issuance of refunds for these should be relatively simple. CIT on March 27 broadened its IEEPA tariff refund order to include finally liquidated entries. On March 27, CIT’s Judge Richard Eaton said “[a]ny liquidated entries for which liquidation is final shall be reliquidated without regard to the IEEPA duties.” This expanded order removes an ambiguity in CBP’s plans that had persisted previously.
One Thing to Do Now: One essential and practical step importers should do now in anticipation of tariff refunds is sign up for Automated Clearinghouse (ACH) Refund, which reportedly only 10% or so of affected firms have done. CBP requires ACH enrollment to receive duty refunds electronically. After enrolling for ACH refunds, any refund you receive will automatically be deposited directly into your bank account. Companies may wish to consult with their customs broker or trade counsel.
Source: www.uschamber.com.
WASHINGTON – Today, the Office of the United States Trade Representative submitted the 2026 National Trade Estimate (NTE) to President Trump and Congress. The 2026 NTE details significant foreign trade barriers facing U.S. exports and outlines how the Trump Administration is addressing these non-reciprocal practices to ensure a playing field for American workers.
“President Trump continues to reverse decades of unfair trade practices by using tariffs and brokering deals to open markets abroad while supporting industries and sparking investment at home,” said Ambassador Greer. “This year’s report highlights how the commitments secured in the Agreements on Reciprocal Trade are eliminating long-standing trade barriers and unlocking new markets with hundreds of millions of consumers for U.S. exporters. The Trump Administration will continue to build on the momentum from the past year to address the unfair trade practices detailed in this report and advance the best interests of American workers and their families.”
NEW ZEALAND TRADE SUMMARY The U.S. goods trade deficit with New Zealand was $1.5 billion in 2025, a 31.9 percent increase ($357.7 million) over 2024. U.S. goods exports to New Zealand totaled $4.1 billion in 2025, down 8.5 percent ($383.1 million) from 2024. U.S. goods imports from New Zealand totaled $5.6 billion in 2025, down 0.5 percent ($25.4 million) from 2024. Total U.S. goods trade (exports plus imports) with New Zealand was an estimated $9.7 billion in 2025. New Zealand was the 54th largest U.S. goods export market in 2025. The U.S. services trade surplus with New Zealand was $1.0 billion in 2025, a 13.1 percent increase ($120 million) over 2024. U.S. services exports to New Zealand totaled $4.0 billion in 2025, up 8.0 percent ($298 million) from 2024. U.S. services imports from New Zealand totaled $3.0 billion in 2025, up 6.4 percent ($178 million) from 2024. Total U.S. services trade with New Zealand was an estimated $7.0 billion in 2025. New Zealand was the 37th largest U.S. services export market in 2024 (latest data available). TRADE AGREEMENTS The United States–New Zealand Trade and Investment Framework Agreement The United States and New Zealand signed a Trade and Investment Framework Agreement (TIFA) on October 2, 1992. The TIFA is the primary mechanism for discussions of trade and investment issues between the United States and New Zealand. IMPORT POLICIES Tariffs New Zealand’s average most-favored-nation ((MFN) applied tariff rate was 1.9 percent in 2024 (latest data available). New Zealand’s average MFN applied tariff rate was 1.4 percent for agricultural products and 2.0 percent for non-agricultural products in 2024 (latest data available). New Zealand has bound 100 percent of its tariff lines in the World Trade Organization (WTO), with an average WTO bound tariff rate of 9.5 percent. As of 2025, New Zealand applied a zero percent duty on an MFN basis on 65.6 percent of its tariff lines in agricultural goods and on 59.0 percent of its tariff lines in non-agricultural goods. Taxes Value Added Taxes New Zealand applies a standard goods services tax (GST) rate of 15 percent to most goods and services, including imports from the United States. The GST is based on domestic consumption; therefore, it is applied to domestic and imported goods and services that are consumed in New Zealand. New Zealand applies a GST of zero percent for goods and services that are exported from New Zealand. New Zealand also exempts or applies a zero percent GST to certain financial services, such as loans, paying of interest, bank fees, and financial intermediation services. Additionally, domestic and foreign businesses that have less than NZD $60,000 (approximately $35,294) in sales in New Zealand are not required to register for or charge GST.
INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY PROTECTION The United States continues to monitor developments to amend the Medicines Act 1981 and any developments regarding the Geographical Indications (Wine and Spirits) Registration Act 2006, particularly in light of the entry into force of the free trade agreement between the European Union and New Zealand in May 2024. The United States continues to work with New Zealand to address any intellectual property issues. SERVICES BARRIERS Audiovisual Services In February 2025, the New Zealand Ministry for Culture and Heritage published for public consultation proposed reforms to New Zealand’s media legislation. These reforms included a proposal to impose investment and discoverability requirements regarding local content on streaming platforms and TV broadcasters, among other proposals; the consultation period closed in March 2025. Any proposals that are accepted by the New Zealand Cabinet would require legislation to implement, and no such legislation has been introduced as of December 31, 2025. The United States continues to monitor this issue. Other Digitally-Enabled Services and Digital Products News Media Bargaining Code In 2023 New Zealand introduced the Fair Digital News Bargaining Bill, aimed at regulating content remuneration between news publishers and digital platforms. The bill would require a digital platform to enter mandatory negotiations with New Zealand news publishers when the platform makes the publisher’s news content available and a “bargaining power imbalance” exists between the platform and the news media entity. In December 2024, the government announced the bill had been placed on hold to observe how Australia implemented similar legislation. The United States continues to monitor this issue to ensure that U.S. companies are not unfairly targeted.
OTHER MARKET-DISTORTING PRACTICES New Zealand does not impose sufficient measures against market-distorting practices in order to insulate the U.S. and New Zealand markets from these distortions and ensure a fair and secure trading relationship. New Zealand has not entered into an Agreement on Reciprocal Trade with the United States that includes commitments to address these distortions. New Zealand does not participate in the Global Forum on Steel Excess Capacity, which is dedicated to developing and implementing collective solutions to address global excess capacity and enhance market function in the steel sector. LABOR New Zealand does not have a ban on the importation of goods produced with forced or compulsory labor. Therefore, such goods can enter and compete in New Zealand’s market. This issue may artificially suppress costs, including labor costs, which may certain goods from and within New Zealand an unfair advantage. OTHER BARRIERS Pharmaceuticals The Pharmaceutical Management Agency (PHARMAC) determines which medicines to fund for use in community and public hospitals, negotiates prices with pharmaceutical companies, manages the national contracting of hospital medical devices, and sets subsidy levels and reimbursement criteria. Some U.S. stakeholders have expressed concern about aspects of PHARMAC’s regulatory process, including lack of transparency, timeliness, and predictability in the funding process and lengthy delays in reimbursing new products
Source: https://ustr.gov/
The text of the following statement was released by the Governments of the United States and New Zealand on the occasion of the second U.S.-New Zealand Space Dialogue.
Begin Text:
Pursuant to the desire of the Government of The United States of America and the Government of New Zealand, the countries held a bilateral Space Dialogue in Washington, D.C. on March 23 and on March 26 to strengthen bilateral space cooperation. The Space Dialogue demonstrates the robust and growing cooperation between the United States and New Zealand in outer space.
The U.S. delegation was led by Valda Vikmanis, Director of the Office of Space Affairs of the Bureau of Oceans and International Environmental and Scientific Affairs, and by Eric Desautels, Director of the Office of Critical Domains for the Bureau of Emerging Threats. The New Zealand delegation was led by Andrew Johnson, Deputy Head of the New Zealand Space Agency. Chris Seed, New Zealand’s Ambassador to the United States, delivered opening remarks that underscored priorities of strengthening commercial space ties, enhancing space security cooperation, and advancing scientific collaboration. Both delegations included whole-of-government participation.
The participants welcomed the holding of the Dialogue during a period in which the United States and New Zealand share a close cooperation on space which has had mutual benefits for both countries. In October 2024, New Zealand became the third most frequent launcher of orbital rockets, with U.S. headquartered and New Zealand founded company Rocket Lab propelling New Zealand to these new heights.
A significant focus of the Dialogue was the evolving role of the commercial space sector in supporting both economic growth and shared security interests. Discussions covered the changing role of government in enabling commercial activity and the expanding range of applications, with both sides expressing their intent to continue cooperation on spaceflight safety, launch, payloads, science and innovation, and associated technology security measures. Both sides also discussed opportunities for further cooperation to address space-related threats to shared security interests, including military space cooperation and managing the risks to ground-based space infrastructure.
The delegations recognized the potential for expanded cooperation on policy and regulatory interoperability related to commercial space, including space situational awareness, launch and reentry, and commercial remote sensing. They decided to work closely together to address regulatory constraints that hinder effective cooperation, commercial engagement, and mutual benefits.
Participants welcomed the open and productive nature of the Dialogue, which included discussion on space cooperation grounded in the principles of the Artemis Accords, to which New Zealand was an early signatory. Both sides emphasized the importance of promoting peaceful and transparent behavior in outer space.
Participants acknowledged New Zealand’s geographic advantages have enabled frequent and responsive launches for U.S. industry and government agencies, adding strategic resilience to launch capacity. New Zealand’s location has enabled hosting of ground-based space infrastructure to enhance both space situational awareness and communications with spacecraft. The United States noted New Zealand’s recently passed, world‑first legislation on the operation of ground-based space infrastructure, which strengthens its ability to protect New Zealand’s national interests and values.
New Zealand’s growing focus on space security has opened new avenues for cooperation, strengthening the United States and New Zealand partnership and advancing practical efforts to promote stability, resilience, and the responsible use of space.
New Zealand’s Space Scholarships program, where New Zealand funds post graduate students to complete a three-month internship at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Southern California, where they contribute to cutting-edge space technology projects, was acknowledged as a way to create enduring space connections between New Zealand and the United States.
Participants also welcomed the announcement of the first round of joint research projects between New Zealand research institutes and NASA centers, focusing on Earth observation. These projects lay the foundation for future collaborations in other research areas, including potential contributions to the Artemis program following the March 24-25 Ignition events and announcements at NASA headquarters.
Both countries resolved to continue working together in these areas and to explore other opportunities for strengthening bilateral cooperation, including facilitating bilateral commercial connections.
Source: https://nz.usembassy.gov/
MARS Bioimaging Extremity Scanner System is designed for premium musculoskeletal imaging in the community Advanced photon-counting CT technology delivers high-resolution 3D X-ray images with clear material differentiation MARS Bioimaging, a New Zealand–headquartered medical device company, has received U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) 510(k) clearance for its portable photon-counting CT scanner for upper extremity imaging. Designed for use in community and point-of-care settings, the MARS Bioimaging Extremity Scanner System delivers premium, high-resolution 3D X-ray images that visualise soft tissue, bone, blood vessels and metallic implants with clear material differentiation. Chris Stoelhorst, Chairman of MARS Bioimaging, said: “With FDA clearance, we can now scale clinical adoption of our scanners in the United States, the world’s largest CT market. This milestone supports our mission to enhance health economics and equity by expanding access to premium photon-counting CT imaging in community-based settings.” Mark Figgitt, Group COO of MARS Bioimaging, who led the FDA process, added: “Achieving FDA clearance validates the safety and effectiveness of our portable photon-counting CT scanner, purpose-built for community based settings, including clinical offices, sports medicine clinics and ambulatory service units. It is designed for clinicians to use across the diagnostic pathway, including pre- and post-surgical planning, assessment of fracture healing, and identification of implant-related complications.” The scanner leverages advanced photon-counting detector technology developed originally through particle physics research at the European Laboratory for Particle Physics (CERN), home of the Higgs boson discovery. MARS Bioimaging holds the exclusive licence from CERN to commercialize this Medipix3 technology for medical imaging. Rafael Ballabriga, Spokesperson for the Medipix3 collaboration at CERN, said: “It is very rewarding to see a technology developed initially for High Energy Physics transferred to the medical field for the benefit of society. It was a long journey starting with the adaptation of the technology to spectroscopic X-ray imaging by the Medipix3 Collaboration. MARS then built a ground-breaking medical product around the device and overcame the many hurdles associated with achieving this major milestone of FDA approval. We congratulate them!” Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS) in New York City, the world's leading academic medical center focused on musculoskeletal health and a MARS Bioimaging collaborator, welcomed the FDA clearance news. HSS Managing Director, Business Development, Vijay Nair said: “We are excited to see MARS achieve this important milestone. At HSS, our physicians and innovators are committed to continuously improving patient outcomes through our work with new technologies. Our collaboration with MARS on the portable photon-counting CT scanner for upper extremities is evidence of this and has allowed us to support the development of imaging technology aimed at enhancing diagnostic patient care.” Dr Roland Toder, Partner at Pacific Channel, said: “Pacific Channel is proud to have backed MARS Bioimaging through its Series A and to have supported the company at board level through pivotal inflection points on its commercialisation pathway. FDA clearance is a defining milestone, providing independent validation of the technology and establishing a clear route into the U.S. clinical and reimbursement ecosystem. Our role extends well beyond capital. Through rigorous diligence and active board engagement, we work with companies to sharpen execution, align regulatory and reimbursement strategy, and position for global scale. MARS has delivered on each of these dimensions.” Dr Ojas Mahapatra, Group CEO, MARS Bioimaging, said: “FDA clearance represents a pivotal milestone for MARS Bioimaging. In addition to enabling commercial rollout in the United States, it provides important validation that supports regulatory pathways and market adoption globally.” IMAGES & VIDEO: For all photo options, view OneDrive
About MARS Bioimaging MARS Bioimaging Limited is a Christchurch, New Zealand–based medical imaging company developing portable imaging technology that delivers premium imaging in community-based settings. MARS imaging systems leverage advanced Medipix detector technology developed at the European Laboratory for Particle Physics (CERN) by the Medipix3 Collaboration, which includes the University of Canterbury. MARS Bioimaging holds the exclusive licence from CERN to deploy this technology for medical imaging in point-of-care settings. For more information, see https://www.marsbioimaging.com/ Media contact: Sandra Lukey, Shine Group (PR for MARS Bioimaging) Cell: +64 21 2262 858 Email: sandra@shinegroup.co.nz
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