The Australian Government is delivering a world-class regulatory environment to assure safe civil space activity, while encouraging innovation and entrepreneurialism.
The second round of regulatory reforms to Australia’s space activities legislation has now come into effect following a consultation which took place in 2024. This builds on Stage 1 amendments that came into effect on 17 August 2023.
The amendments, led by the Australian Space Agency, will better achieve the objectives of the Space (Launches and Returns) Act 2018 primarily by streamlining the regulatory framework.
“This is the second round of reforms over the past 18 months to the Act, which will support our fast-moving and highly commercialised space sector.
These changes will remove inefficiency and improve flexibility without compromising safety.”
~ Head of the Australian Space Agency Enrico Palermo
Fostering entrepreneurial spirit
The revised Space (Launches and Returns) Legislation Amendment (Regulatory Reform) Rules 2024 will ensure a balance of risk and safety, while enabling innovation across the space sector.
The key changes to the legislation will:
- remove the three-stage application process for a launch facility licence
- add further exceptions to the meaning of ‘accident’
- clarify the Minister’s power to approve a suitably qualified expert in the General Rules and High Power Rocket Rules
- change the notice period that the Launch Safety Officer must give to relevant persons before a launch or return of a space object from ‘30 days’ to ‘20 days’
- make other minor administrative updates to the rules.
These reforms complement the continuing work of the Australian Space Agency to support the continued growth and success of our national space industry.
Australia’s space sector
Increasing national capability, responsibly