U.S. Embassy New Zealand – New Zealand Astrobiology Network Astrobiology Celebration

This September, the U.S. Embassy partnered with the New Zealand Astrobiology Network to celebrate ten years of astrobiology in Aotearoa and 150 years of U.S.–NZ scientific collaboration.

NASA’s Dr. Mitch Schulte (NASA Headquarters), Sarah Marcotte (NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory), Dr. Sanjoy Som, and Dr. Graham Lau (both from the Blue Marble Space Institute of Science) joined Kiwi partners for an inspiring month of engagement — from Christchurch, Carterton, and Wellington to Rotorua, Tauranga, and Auckland.

Together, they connected with students, teachers, universities, astronomy enthusiasts, and the public through school visits, teacher field trips, education expos, public talks, and even a screening of Good Night Oppy.

By strengthening partnerships, advancing innovation, and preparing the next generation of explorers, these exchanges help shape a future that is safer, stronger, and full of opportunity, while inspiring space discovery here in Aotearoa and across the Pacific.

Ngā mihi nui to all who joined us on this journey of discovery!

Links