The Australia–United States Space Framework Agreement has now been tabled in the Australian Parliament.
The tabling of the treaty-level agreement is an important milestone in bringing the Agreement into force later this year. It also signals a new phase in one of Australia’s most significant international space partnerships.
Once in force, the Space Framework Agreement will establish an overarching treaty-level framework for civil space cooperation between Australia and the United States. It will create clearer pathways for Australian governments, businesses and researchers to collaborate with NASA and other US agencies on major missions, technology programs and future space activities.
The Agreement builds on more than half a century of cooperation between Australia and the United States, from support for early NASA missions through to Australia’s contribution to the Apollo program and today’s Artemis missions.
"Australia’s long-standing partnership with the United States has grown stronger with every milestone.
Through our support for the landmark Apollo and Artemis missions, Australia has demonstrated its vast capabilities in lunar exploration.
Tabling the Space Framework Agreement reinforces our position as a trusted space partner and opens a new chapter in Australia-US space cooperation.
The Agreement will bring several scientific and economic benefits to Australia by unlocking new opportunities for governments, businesses and researchers."
~ Head of the Australian Space Agency Enrico Palermo
As the global space economy continues to grow, Australia is building its space momentum.
The tabled Agreement is expected to support cooperation across a wide range of areas that could include space exploration, Earth observation, space science, Earth science, space medicine and life sciences, advanced aeronautics research and emerging technologies.
Framework Agreement between Australia and the United States
Industry, researchers and other space sector stakeholders can now review the full text of the Agreement and its National Interest Analysis
Opening new opportunities for industry
For Australia’s growing space sector, the Agreement represents more than a diplomatic milestone.
It is a strategic step toward new partnerships, investment and commercial opportunities for Australian companies working in high-value areas such as satellite technology, mission support, advanced manufacturing, robotics, data analytics and remote operations.
It also strengthens Australia’s position as a trusted partner for major international space missions.
By providing a clearer framework for cooperation with NASA, the United States Geological Survey, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and other US agencies involved in space, the Agreement will help Australian organisations participate more easily in joint projects with American partners.
Technology Safeguards Agreement
The Space Framework Agreement will be another treaty-level agreement with the US, following the Australia–US Technology Safeguards Agreement (TSA), which entered into force on 23 July 2024.
The TSA provides the legal and regulatory foundation for US entities to conduct spaceflight activities involving sensitive technologies from Australian territory. It safeguards critical US space technology while supporting Australia’s emergence as a global launch hub.
Together, the two agreements create a stronger foundation for Australia’s space future. While the Technology Safeguards Agreement supports launch opportunities and access to the United States launch market, the Space Framework Agreement broadens cooperation across science, research, exploration and technology.
International partnerships
The Australian Space Agency is the gateway for the global space sector to engage with Australia across a wide range of space programs and activities.
Main image caption: At IAC 2025, Sean Duffy, NASA's then acting Administrator and Head of the Australian Space Agency Enrico Palermo signed a landmark US-AU Space Framework Agreement.
