We regulate Australian space and high-power rocket activities. We also oversee international arrangements affecting space regulation.
Conducting space activities
The Space (Launches and Returns) Act 2018 (the Act) sets out a regime for the regulation of civil space-related activities carried out either from or to Australia or by Australians overseas. The objects of the Act include seeking to ensure a reasonable balance is achieved between:
- the removal of barriers to participation in space activities and the encouragement of innovation and entrepreneurship in the space industry
- the safety of space activities, and the risk of damage to persons or property as a result of space activities.
The Act also implements certain Australian obligations under the United Nations space treaties.
The Act includes powers for the Minister to make rules by legislative instrument. The rules support effective operation of the Act. They are intended to provide clear information and a streamlined process relevant to the approval of an activity under the Act. There are currently three legislative instruments setting out rules under the Act (collectively the Rules):
- the Space (Launches and Returns) (General) Rules 2019 (the General Rules) provides detail on the application requirements and additional criteria for approvals under the Act (other than Australian high power rocket permits)
- the Space (Launches and Returns) (High Power Rocket) Rules 2019 (the High Power Rocket Rules) provides detail on the application requirements and additional criteria for approval of Australian high power rocket permits.
- the Space (Launches and Returns) (Insurance) Rules 2019 (the Insurance Rules) provides detail relating to insurance and financial requirements applicable to certain approvals under the Act.
Other relevant documents referred to by the Rules are the Flight Safety Code and the Maximum Probable Loss Methodology (MPL Methodology).
The following activities need approval under the Act:
- launching a space object from Australia (requires an Australian Launch Permit)
- returning a space object to Australia (requires a Return Authorisation)
- launching a space object overseas, for Australian nationals with an ownership interest (requires an Overseas Payload Permit)
- returning a space object overseas, for Australian nationals with an ownership interest (requires an Overseas Payload Return Authorisation)
- operating a launch facility in Australia (requires a Launch Facility Licence)
- launching a high-power rocket from Australia (requires a High Power Rocket Permit)
For more information about authorisations, visit our webpage on Permits, licences and authorisations.
You can see a list of permits, licences or authorisations granted under the Act here: notice of minister decisions to grant, vary, revoke, suspend or transfer a permit, licence or authorisation under this Act.
You can see a list of space objects authorised under the Act here: register of space objects authorised under the Act.
Under the Act, the minister appoints an investigator to examine any launch-related incidents or accidents, with reports published here.
Visit our webpage to learn more about the investigation into Hapith I Rocket accident
If you have trouble accessing this documentation, please contact us.
Australia has ratified all 5 space treaties:
- Convention on International Liability for Damage Caused by Space Objects
- Convention on Registration of Objects Launched into Outer Space
- Treaty on Principles Governing the Activities of States in the Exploration and Use of Outer Space, including the Moon and other Celestial Bodies
- Agreement Governing the Activities of States on the Moon and other Celestial Bodies
- Agreement on the Rescue of Astronauts, the Return of Astronauts, and the Return of Objects Launched into Outer Space.
Engaging with the sector
Engaging with the sector
The Space Regulation Advisory Collective (SRAC) informs the regulatory function of the Australian Space Agency.
The SRAC is a network of non-government space sector representatives and other interested parties.
The SRAC provides the opportunity for stakeholders to raise issues that have, or may have, significant implications for the safety and security of space activities.
We aim to hold quarterly virtual workshops focusing on specific themes relevant to space regulation. Members can self-select attendance based on interest. Workshop structure will vary in response to topic and expected numbers.
Members of SRAC may also receive notifications of any space regulation training or information sessions we hold.