New international partnerships back Australia's space industry
The Space Industry Association of Australia (SIAA) has commended the Australian Government on some major international agreements announced at the recent International Astronautical Congress (IAC 2025) in Sydney, claiming they will drive futureproof industrial capability, resilience and sustainable high-tech jobs.
The event saw the Australian Government announce a mandate to begin negotiations on a Cooperative Agreement between the European Space Agency (ESA) and Australia; this would establish a formal mechanism for Australian businesses and researchers to access ESA’s space science program and missions, as well as for further European activity here in Australia. The agreement would accelerate the Australian ecosystem through removing barriers to collaboration with ESA and its 23 members, including those from outside of Europe, and would help Australia seize space opportunities to drive prosperity, resilience and security.
A treaty-level Space Framework Agreement between Australia and the United States was also agreed at the congress, opening the door to new opportunities to collaborate on joint projects with NASA and other American partners. The Framework Agreement complements the Australia–US Technology Safeguards Agreement (TSA) signed in 2024, and accelerates Australia’s ability to participate in a wide range of programs with NASA — from Earth observation to space communications — as well as exchanges of space-related data. The combination of the Framework Agreement and TSA provide a powerful platform for accelerated Australia–US collaboration with NASA and the US space industry, SIAA said.
“The US and European Space Agency announcements will drive industrial capability and accelerate the Australian Government’s important Future Made in Australia agenda,” said SIAA CEO Dan Lloyd.
“These agreements will significantly lower barriers to Australia’s ability to engage with and benefit from the two largest space markets on the planet — the USA and the European Space Agency (ESA) — and recognise the maturity and world-class capability of the Australian space industry.”
The congress also saw the Australian Space Agency and the UK Space Agency formally re-sign the AU–UK Space Bridge Framework Arrangement, reaffirming and extending their shared commitment to deepening bilateral cooperation in space science, technology and innovation. Originally signed in 2021, the Space Bridge has become a cornerstone of international collaboration, enabling joint ventures between Australia and the UK across government, industry and academia.
“While these announcements reflect significant steps forward, SIAA looks forward to rapid conclusion of the ESA agreement to ensure that the benefits can flow more quickly to Australia,” Lloyd said. “SIAA looks forward to continuing constructive engagement with government to identify the next step-change initiatives which will accelerate prosperity, resilience and security for Australia.”
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