RocketWerkz has announced a pair of major milestones for its upcoming spaceflight simulator Kitten Space Agency. The project has become the first video game to receive the NZX Most Innovative Hi-Tech Creative Technology Solutionaward at the 2026 New Zealand Hi-Tech Awards, while also surpassing $200,000 USD in community contributions through the Ahwoo platform.
To mark the occasion, the studio has released the first teaser video featuring real-time pre-alpha gameplay, offering an early glimpse at the game’s ambitious simulation systems. Kitten Space Agency is available as a free download on Ahwoo, with optional community contributions helping to fund ongoing development.
Designed to make real-world spaceflight concepts approachable, Kitten Space Agency blends entertainment with education by introducing players to orbital mechanics, rocket design, spacecraft systems, and long-distance space travel through an authentic simulation experience.
Powering the project is RocketWerkz’s proprietary BRUTAL framework, which simultaneously simulates Keplerian planetary motion alongside Newtonian physics across an entire solar system. This allows players to construct detailed spacecraft, calculate propulsion requirements, plan complex interplanetary missions, and execute realistic orbital maneuvers with a high level of scientific accuracy.
Development began in mid-2024, with the first public pre-alpha builds launching in November 2025. Since then, RocketWerkz has concentrated on establishing the core technologies that will support the game for years to come, including spacecraft simulation, orbital mechanics, large-scale space systems, modding support, and vehicle customization.
Although community funding currently accounts for only a small portion of overall development costs, the studio views the milestone as an encouraging sign of player interest. Development is also supported by RocketWerkz’s Enterprise team, which continues building the BRUTAL technology that serves as the foundation for Kitten Space Agency.
RocketWerkz CEO Dean Hall emphasized that the project is being developed openly alongside its community, allowing players to provide feedback throughout development while helping shape the game’s future.
The Kitten Space Agency pre-alpha build is available now through Ahwoo for players interested in experiencing the evolving space simulation firsthand.