U.S., Australia Sign Space Launch Agreement

A technology safeguards agreement signed by the U.S. and Australian governments could see the United States launch rockets from Australian spaceports, the U.S. Department of State announced Oct. 26.

The deal allows spaceport projects in Australia to sign deals to host launches by U.S. companies. Jeremy Hallett, executive chairman of the Space Industry Association of Australia, said the agreement would remove barriers preventing Australia from meeting the United States’ growing demand for Australian space launches.

Hallett and officials from Southern Launch and Equatorial Launch Australia also stated that the deal would enhance bilateral relationships regarding space activities, SpaceNews reported.

The U.S. and Australia have been working together on space-related matters.

In April, the Australian government selected Lockheed Martin Space to work on the JP9102 Australian Defence Satellite Communication System. JP9102 is a multibillion-dollar project to provide the Australian Defence Force with a secure military satellite communications capability with agile information-sharing capabilities.

The two countries also constantly communicate in other areas, including technology transfers.

Recently, Australia agreed to join the U.S. and Japan for the Yama Sakura and Keen Edge exercises. The three countries will focus on unmanned aerial systems interoperability and technology transfers during the exercises.