US Space Command applies gag over Auckland space-watching hub
The US Space Command has blocked the New Zealand Defence Force from disclosing details about a Pentagon-funded space-watching hub in Auckland. The facility has reportedly been used to support combat operations during the Iran war.
Why it matters
This raises significant questions about national sovereignty, transparency in military operations, and the role of international partners in US-led surveillance networks.
A space-watching network funded by the Pentagon that has one of three global hubs in Auckland has played a direct role supporting combat operations in the Iran war.
But US Space Command has gagged the New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF) from giving details about the Auckland hub's activities to RNZ.
While the NZDF has said it retained sovereignty over the hub, it also said it was not authorised to release the information.
"We have received advice from US Space Command that does not change the decision on your request," the NZDF said on Tuesday.
It suggested RNZ, instead of using the Official Information Act (OIA), try using the US Freedom of Information Act.
Earlier in the year information was released under the OIA, that showed the hub in February tracked launches of Chinese military satellites and an Iranian civilian satellite from Russia.
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