Business of Tech: Edge of space: Mark Rocket’s sky-high mission

Mark Rocket. (Image: Supplied/Jacques Steenkamp)

Thu, 18 Sep 2025

Three months ago, Mark Rocket strapped in for a ride aboard Blue Origin’s New Shepard sub-orbital launch vehicle, and in the process became the first Kiwi to enter space. The experience was a culmination of years of anticipation and some unexpected twists for the tech entrepreneur who was a pivotal, early investor in Rocket Lab and went on to form his own venture, Kea Aerospace.“I signed up with Virgin Galactic back in 2006. I think I was the first Kiwi to confirm and pay for that ticket,” Rocket told me on this week&rsqu...

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