Australia and the United Kingdom have strengthened their ties in space. On 23 February 2021, both countries signed the Space Bridge Framework Arrangement that will grow jobs across the industry.

The Arrangement enhances cooperation across both countries to grow our space industries. In Australia this is supported by Austrade and the Australian Space Agency. In the United Kingdom, this is supported by the UK Department for International Trade and the UK Space Agency. The signing will increase connection, exchange and investment across both space sectors.

The Space Bridge Framework Arrangement focuses on areas such as:

  • government-to-government collaboration on space programs and technology
  • trade and investment, including commercial contracts and collaboration
  • research and education.

Australian Space Agency Head, Enrico Palermo, said the Space Bridge Framework Arrangement is an important step to further grow the Australian space sector and bring international opportunities to industry.

“This is a valuable partnership to ensure Australian businesses and researchers have greater opportunities to showcase their talents to the world.

“The Space Bridge will help propel the Australian civil space industry into its next phase of growth, opening doors to build local capability, as well as significantly boost our collaboration with the UK Space Agency.”

UK Space Agency Chief Executive Officer, Dr Graham Turnock, reinforced the importance of stronger space ties between Australia and UK.

“This agreement will unleash innovation, promote knowledge exchange and build relationships that will help both the UK and Australia maximise the vast economic and scientific potential that the space sector offers. It will help create better opportunities and greater security for people in both nations.”

Australia’s strong manufacturing capability and focus on civil space priority areas supports the UK’s space ambitions. These include communications, space R&D, Earth observation and robotics and automation.

The Arrangement will also help to:

  • assist the development and use of satellite platforms and the application of space data.
  • enhance trade by supporting future pioneering space programs and technology to attract greater global investment in both sectors.

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