The Australian Space Agency and the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to support efforts to enhance safety of spaceflight and air navigation.
This agreement formalises cooperation between the Agency and CASA to improve the intersection between space regulation and aviation regulation. The MoU establishes a framework for stronger regulatory cooperation and improved information sharing, and will build confidence for the benefit of Australia’s aviation and space industries.
Covering everything from planned launches and returns, managing unplanned space debris re-entries and international cooperation, the agreement builds on a shared commitment to continue positioning Australia as a responsible and globally regarded space and aviation nation.
"As Australia’s space sector grows, ensuring a coordinated approach between space operations and air operations is critical.
“This agreement strengthens our partnership with CASA and reflects our commitment to work together to protect both spaceflight and aviation safety.
“We’re showing the world that Australia is a suitable place to do space, and that is strengthened by our whole-of-government approach.”
~ Head of the Australian Space Agency Enrico Palermo
Pip Spence, CASA Chief Executive Officer and Director of Aviation Safety, said the MoU is a significant step toward ensuring a coordinated national approach to aviation safety.
“Lessons learned from recent rocket launches have helped shaped our approach and clarified roles and responsibilities between our two agencies.
The MoU positions us well to further support innovation and ensure a seamless experience for space and airspace users, while maintaining aviation safety as our shared primary focus.
We look forward to continuing to work closely with the Australian Space Agency in supporting Australia’s rocket and space industry.”
~ Pip Spence, Chief Executive Officer and Director of Aviation Safety at CASA
The MoU between the Agency and CASA includes four areas of collaboration and prioritisation:
- Regulatory cooperation
- Space-related airspace risk management
- Collaboration on emerging and complex aviation and spaceflight technologies
- Joint engagement on multilateral international issues.
Formalising cooperation
The Memorandum of Understanding between the two agencies will enhance and maintain spaceflight and air navigation safety.
Main image: (L-R) Pip Spence, Chief Executive Officer and Director of Aviation Safety at CASA along with Head of the Australian Space Agency Enrico Palermo | Credit: CASA.
