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.
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.