New Zealand is a small island nation in the middle of nowhere, and that makes it the perfect location for launching rockets. A new deal between space company Rocket Lab and the state-owned Airways—which takes care of air traffic control services—means New Zealand could soon be leading the world in space launches. Rocket Lab plans to soon launch up to 100 rockets a year from its remote site on Mahia Peninsula, on the East Coast.

The potential economic impact of Rocket Lab has been valued at $1.5 billion over the next 20 years. Airways chief operating officer Pauline Lamb says there could be more to come. Lamb told Sunday Star Times that other companies needed to take a "deeper look" at what New Zealand has to offer. NASA and Google have both previously used the country for balloon launches.

Maria Pozza, a specialist space industry lawyer, said the deal sets New Zealand up to be a space-faring nation. "It is realistic that New Zealand will become a space hub, especially for small satellite launches and operations as a result of its geographical location, excellent governance structures, and reputation for technological ingenuity," said Pozza.