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) establishes a system for regulating space activities in Australia or by Australian nationals outside Australia. The following activities need approval under the Act:
- launching a space object from Australia
- returning a space object to Australia
- launching a space object overseas (for Australian nationals with an ownership interest)
- returning a space object overseas (for Australian nationals with an ownership interest)
- operating a launch facility in Australia
- launching a high-power rocket from Australia.
See the register of space objects authorised under the Act.
Complying with Australian regulations
Three sets of rules support the Act. The rules include application requirements for space and high-power rocket activity approvals:
- Space (Launches and Returns) (General) Rules 2019
- Space (Launches and Returns) (High Power Rocket) Rules 2019
- Space (Launches and Returns) (Insurance) Rules 2019.
The rules refer to these documents:
Read more about conducting Australian space activities under the regulatory framework. This information has been prepared in response to stakeholder feedback and addresses some frequently asked questions.
We will no longer be introducing fees for launch applications. Read more about our regulatory reform programs to encourage launches in Australia.
Proposed changes to the rules
We are consulting on proposed changes to:
- Space (Launches and Returns) (General) Rules 2019
- Space (Launches and Returns) (High Power Rocket) Rules 2019.
Consultation on stage 1 of these changes closed in May 2022. Read the summary of feedback on our consultation hub.
We expect to consult on further changes to space legislation in future. These changes will create a globally respected regulatory framework for space activities.
Enforcing regulations
The Act includes civil penalties for offences such as:
- not holding a licence, permit, authorisation or authorisation certificate in certain circumstances
- breaching a condition associated with a licence, permit, authorisation or authorisation certificate.
We will consider these principles in our approach to compliance:
- being proportionate and responsive
- being outcomes focused
- being transparent and consistent.
We will be consistent in our approach to non-compliance, while considering specifics of each situation. We will decide whether to undertake enforcement action in a timely manner and in proportion to the risk posed by the non-compliance.
Our approach will maintain stakeholder confidence and encourage further discussions between industry and government to achieve positive regulatory outcomes.
Investigation reports
Under the Act, the minister appoints an investigator to examine any launch-related incidents or accidents.
If you have trouble accessing this documentation, please contact us.
Complying with international space treaties
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.
Space Regulation Advisory Collective
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.