In the first episode of NZAN Conversations, Hari Mogoșanu and Sam Leske speak with Mark Rocket—the first New Zealander to travel to space—at Kea Aerospace.
Mark flew aboard Blue Origin’s New Shepard NS-32 mission on 31 May 2025. In this conversation, he takes us through the experience: preparing for launch, sitting atop a fully fuelled rocket, the transition from acceleration to weightlessness, and the return through the atmosphere. Mark gives an excellent account of the experience, taking the listener (or the reader) with him above the Kármán line.
Listen to the episode
Listen to NZAN Conversations on Spotify →Seeing Earth differently
Although Mark expected the view of Earth to be extraordinary, he shares that the experience was even more so. Looking back at Earth from space, Mark describes our atmosphere as the skin of an apple—a narrow protective layer that supports almost every human life. The experience leads into a wider conversation about the overview effect, environmental responsibility and the technologies we will need to live sustainably on Earth and beyond.
Pathways into Aotearoa’s aerospace sector
Mark’s own route into aerospace was unconventional. He did not begin with a university degree or follow a traditional engineering pathway. He came from the internet industry, built businesses and eventually became an early investor and co-director of Rocket Lab. Today, he is the CEO of Kea Aerospace and President of Aerospace New Zealand.
The space sector needs many different kinds of people. Engineers and scientists are essential, but aerospace organisations also need software developers, communicators, designers, educators, project managers, and people working across business and operations. This is a paradigm shift Aotearoa is experiencing now, with many jobs available in the space industry but not enough uptake of aerospace workers from our own country. Perhaps because, when talking about career paths, we are somewhat stuck in the old idea that you can only go there if you’re an astronaut. Working in the space industry is not the same as going to space.
Mark is sharing his thoughts and ideas on how to create opportunities for yourself if this is your desired career path, which applies to any career path. His advice to young people is practical: identify what interests you, begin creating relevant projects and build a portfolio that demonstrates your enthusiasm. You do not have to wait for someone to give you permission to begin.
In this episode
Hari, Sam and Mark discuss:
- preparing and training for a spaceflight;
- launch, weightlessness and re-entry;
- the emotional impact of travelling to space and back;
- Earth’s thin atmosphere and the overview effect;
- sustainability in space and on Earth;
- Aotearoa New Zealand’s growing aerospace sector;
- the many different pathways into space-related careers;
- Mark’s journey from the internet industry to aerospace; and
- why taking action matters when pursuing an ambitious dream.
For teachers and students
Spaceward Bound NZ has prepared an educator edition of this conversation, including the edited transcript, discussion questions and classroom ideas.
Read the edited transcript and teaching resource on Spaceward Bound NZ →
The interview can be used to explore topics including spaceflight, forces and acceleration, Earth’s atmosphere, sustainability, aerospace careers and the social impact of space exploration.
About NZAN Conversations
NZAN Conversations explores astrobiology, space science, aerospace and Aotearoa New Zealand’s place in the wider space community.
Published by the New Zealand Astrobiology Network, the series brings together researchers, explorers, educators, entrepreneurs and students to discuss life in the universe, pathways into the space sector, and how exploration can help us build a more sustainable future on Earth and beyond.
Follow NZAN Conversations on Spotify to hear future episodes.
Blue Origin’s official record of the NS-32 mission is available here.
