Mark Rocket describes his flight to space, the emotional impact of seeing Earth’s thin atmosphere, and the many ways young New Zealanders can build a future in aerospace.
In the first episode of *NZAN Conversations*, Hari Mogoșanu and Sam Leske speak with Mark Rocket at Kea Aerospace about the experience of travelling to space.
Mark takes us through launch training, liftoff, weightlessness and re-entry — including the moment the immense blackness of space changed how he saw Earth. He reflects on the fragility of our atmosphere, sustainability on Earth and in space, and why exploration can help us develop better technologies and ways of living.
The conversation also turns to Aotearoa’s growing aerospace sector. Mark shares his unconventional path from the internet industry to space, explains why aerospace needs far more than engineers, and offers practical advice for students: follow your interests, build a portfolio and take action.
Topics include:
- preparing for launch and flying aboard an autonomous spacecraft
- weightlessness, re-entry and the emotional impact of space
- Earth’s thin atmosphere and the overview effect
- sustainable technology for exploration and life on Earth
- New Zealand’s aerospace opportunities
- practical pathways for students and career-changers
- Mark’s unconventional route into the space sector
Recorded at Kea Aerospace in Christchurch on April 2026.
Published by the New Zealand Astrobiology Network (NZAN).
Links:
- NZAN: www.astrobiology.nz
- Kea Aerospace: https://www.keaaerospace.com
- Episode transcript: coming soon
**Keywords/tags:** Mark Rocket; NZAN; New Zealand Astrobiology Network; Aotearoa; New Zealand space; aerospace; spaceflight; overview effect; Kea Aerospace; space careers; sustainability; astrobiology
