An Alexandra satellite research centre could be operational by the middle of next year. There was elation in Central Otago yesterday as Minister for Science and Innovation Steven Joyce announced a grant of up to $14.7million over four years for the Centre for Space Science Technology (CSST). Other Central Otago leaders said it would attract high-calibre people and other businesses and have multiple flow-on benefits. The date was uncertain, but it would not happen for a few years, Greg Bodeker, director of research company Bodeker Scientific, said. The centre would show Central Otago had a great scientific future, Otago Chamber of Commerce chief executive Dougal McGowan said.

Source: Otago Daily Times November 15, 2016 17:07 UTC