This week marked a significant milestone for Australian aviation and the Australian space sector, with CASA and the Australian Space Agency signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU).
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The agreement formalises cooperation between the two agencies to support efforts to enhance the safety of spaceflight and air navigation.
It establishes a framework for stronger regulatory cooperation and improved information sharing, and will build confidence for the benefit of Australia’s space and aviation industries.
Covering everything from planned launches and returns, managing unplanned space debris re-entries and international cooperation, the agreement builds on a shared commitment to continue positioning Australia as a responsible and globally regarded space and aviation nation.
Pip Spence, CASA Chief Executive Officer and Director of Aviation Safety, said the MoU is a significant step toward ensuring a coordinated national approach to aviation safety.
'Lessons learned from recent rocket launches have helped shaped our approach and clarified roles and responsibilities between our two agencies,' Ms Spence said.
'The MoU positions us well to further support innovation and ensure a seamless experience for space and airspace users, while maintaining aviation safety as our shared primary focus.
'We look forward to continuing to work closely with the Australian Space Agency in supporting Australia's rocket and space industry.'
Enrico Palermo, Head of the Australian Space Agency, said that as Australia’s space sector grows, ensuring a coordinated approach between space operations and air operations is critical.
'This agreement strengthens our partnership with CASA and reflects our commitment to work together to protect both spaceflight and aviation safety,' Mr Palermo said.
'We're showing the world that Australia is a suitable place to do space, and that is strengthened by our whole-of-government approach.'
The MoU includes four areas of collaboration and prioritisation between CASA and the Australian Space Agency:
- Regulatory cooperation
- Space-related airspace risk management
- Collaboration on emerging and complex aviation and spaceflight technologies
- Joint engagement on multilateral international issues.
View the Memorandum of Understanding.