Mark Rocket, the first New Zealander to travel into space and a Christchurch local, visited Fo Guang Shan Christchurch Water Drop Café on 7th December with his family. As a regular visitor, Rocket said the environment of the café helps him relax and find peace of mind. It is a rare source of stability in life, which is why he returns often.
This entrepreneur, well-known for his contributions to the aerospace industry, shared his lifelong dream of travelling to space, along with his insights into innovation, exploration and sustainability. Rocket said that personally entering space, floating above Earth’s atmosphere, and seeing the sun, the Earth, and the surrounding darkness left him with profoundly deep memories. He noted that space exploration is not only about rockets and technology—it also reflects human civilisation. “Thinking about infinity, the origin of time, the edge of the universe—these questions are deeply inspiring,” he said. He also emphasised that as commercial space travel becomes more accessible, more people will be able to experience space firsthand, creating new opportunities for human development.
Speaking on the meaning of life, Rocket shared that this year has been “a magical year” for him: he got married, his company successfully flew a solar-powered aircraft into the stratosphere, and he achieved his goal of travelling to space. For him, these accomplishments are not only professional breakthroughs but also important milestones on his life journey. They remind people to cherish the present moment, appreciate favourable conditions, and seek inner peace while exploring the outer world.
Rocket also spoke about New Zealand’s innovative spirit, comparing it to the adventurous courage of Polynesian navigators who crossed the Pacific Ocean. “Exploration is in our nature. I hope this spirit can extend to the stars, allowing New Zealanders to become explorers of space as well.” He added, “Just like the Apollo missions, we will learn from space exploration and bring the technology back to Earth.” While space technology enjoys special prestige globally, he believes that future developments must achieve full recyclability. New Zealand must embrace a knowledge-based economy in order to thrive, contributing sustainably by developing high-tech fields such as aerospace while maintaining the nation’s purity and appeal.
He also expressed appreciation for Fo Guang Shan’s contributions to sustainability, including initiatives such as the VEGRUN plant-based programme and the T-Earth native tree-planting project in the Port Hills. “I think giving back to the community is essential, and you are putting that spirit into action,” he said.
Fo Guang Shan South Island expressed that Mark Rocket and his family are always welcome and that Fo Guang Shan temples across the five continents look forward to offering hospitality to this New Zealand adventurer.
Rocket is the founder and CEO of Kea Aerospace in Christchurch. Established in 2018, the company is dedicated to developing sustainable aerospace technology in New Zealand. He also serves as the Chair of Aerospace New Zealand and is one of the early seed investors of Rocket Lab.
