There have been hints that Australia was going to get much more involved with the new space economy and the space defense sector but with this move by the White House leaves no doubt:
Our focus on innovation also extends to space, where we look forward to tomorrow’s signing of a space Technology Safeguards Agreement that creates the potential for new space-related commercial opportunities while providing the legal and technical framework to protect sensitive U.S. space launch technology and data in Australia consistent with our shared non-proliferation goals. We also welcome progress in negotiations of a bilateral space framework agreement, and encourage further joint commercial investment across all sectors, including space situational awareness and commercial space stations.
This mean US based companies and vehicles can now launch from Australia:
“The TSA is required to allow the export of U.S.-built launch vehicles to Australia. Industry officials in Australia said the agreement will allow spaceport projects there to sign long-awaited deals to host launches by American companies. “We hear regularly from both the U.S. government and industry of their demand for this capability in Australia,” said Jeremy Hallett, executive chairman of the Space Industry Association of Australia, in a statement. “This agreement removes the blockage stopping this demand being met by Australian space industry and we look forward to the new business opportunities that will emerge for the industry.”
Varda Space Industries is also lining up Australia as the return point for its in-space manufacturing capsules:
Varda launched its debut mission on SpaceX’s Transporter-8 mission in June, and the capsule remains operational in space. Varda will land its future spacecraft at the Koonibba Test Range northwest of Adelaide, Australia under a newly announced agreement with Southern Launch. The first missions to use the site will land as soon as 2024, SpaceNews said in a report.
And don’t forget that Rocket Lab launched an Australian subsidiary in February:
“Australia has an accomplished history in the space sector having developed strong capabilities in Earth observation, space tracking and satellite operations. Coupled with Australia’s renewed focus on industrial capability and advanced manufacturing, the industry is now poised for an era of rapid expansion driven by new technology, a growing demand for space enabled data, private investment, and a significantly increased funding commitment from the Australian Government,” said Rocket Lab founder and CEO Peter Beck. “Rocket Lab has already played a key role in supporting Australia’s rapid growth in space by flying several commercially developed Australian satellites on Electron, as well as having launched national security payloads developed in partnership with Australia’s Department of Defence. Our space systems technology has also featured on Australian missions, enabling Australian technology already relied upon by the nation. By building on our deep expertise and proven heritage as a global leader in launch and space systems, Rocket Lab is well positioned to advance Australia’s capabilities in space. We have people on the ground already and we look forward to exploring opportunities where they make strategic sense for us as a business, and where we can truly strengthen Australia’s position in the global space sector.”
Rocket Lab has also partnered with Hypersonix, an Australian hypersonic startup, and will launch their DART AE vehicle sometime next year as part of its HASTE program. This agreement could allow Rocket Lab to service Australia’s defense sector at their home base without rocking the boat in New Zealand which, while nearby, historically isn’t too keen on hosting work directly related to defense.
This should be a massive shot in the arm for Australia’s space ambitions and should result in a surge of announcements in 2024 (and beyond.)
