In what has been described as the first such agreement in the world, the UK and Australia have created a partnership to greatly strengthen space cooperation between the two countries in most, if not all, its dimensions. The agreement has been designated the Space Bridge.

The two countries have long cooperated in space matters. The UK’s one and so far only national space rocket, the Black Arrow, was launched from the Woomera launch site, in South Australia. The last of four such launches successfully put a British satellite into orbit, in late 1971; this remains the only time a British satellite was successfully launched by a British rocket.

However, the Space Bridge deepens this relationship. It has four aspects, which are described as ‘pillars’. They are government-to-government; regulation; trade, investment and business; and research and education. The agreement was signed separately in Canberra, Australia, and London, UK, by Australian Industry, Science and Technology Minister Karen Andrews and UK Science, Research and Innovation Minister Amanda Solloway.

“The bond will allow our most innovative space businesses and universities to collaborate and share best practice more effectively than ever,” affirmed Solloway. “I’m excited to see how this partnership will unlock new space jobs in both countries, while driving forward new ideas that could enrich all of our lives.”

“In addition to Australia’s strong manufacturing capabilities, our space priorities range from communications, to Earth observation, as well as robotics and automation – all of which can offer support to the UK’s space ambitions,” highlighted Andrews. “This world-first agreement between Australia and the UK will reduce barriers to cooperation, address market-entry barriers and help space programmes get off the ground faster, helping both countries to develop pioneering space programmes and technology,” added Australian Trade, Tourism and Investment Minister Dan Tehan.

“Space exports hit £5.5-billion in 2017 and it is this international demand for our space goods and services which is driving the development of the UK’s vibrant and innovative space industry,” observed UK Exports Minister Graham Stuart. “Like the UK, Australia recognises that closer partnership and alignment between our two sectors can boost progress and jobs in both countries.”

The government-to-government pillar will allow the two countries to more closely and strongly align their space policies, with greater exchanges of information and outlooks regarding emerging issues and trends, as well as achieving ‘whole-of-government’ approaches concerning space science, research, security and trade. Regarding regulation, the aim is to promote deeper dialogue on regulatory policies, the sharing of best practices, and increasing the compatibility of industry regulations.

The trade, investment and business pillar is intended to increase trade in the space sector between the two countries, by seeking to reduce the barriers to entry into each country’s space market for the other’s space enterprises and through encouraging the space companies of both countries to make use of the facilities and assistance that each country provides. Under research and innovation, opportunities will be created for more profound research and development cooperation by means of academic and scientific programmes. Deeper collaboration in educational and outreach programmes will also be developed.

The Space Bridge will be buttressed by dedicated work programmes. In each case, the funding for these will be determined by the participants concerned. “The Space Bridge Framework Agreement 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,” highlighted Australian Space Agency headEnrico Palermo.