3 April 2025
The Defence Aviation Safety Authority (DASA) and the Australian Space Agency (ASA) are working together on a common approach to the safety regulation of Australian space activities.
The collaborative relationship between the two organisations was further strengthened by the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MOU) at the 2025 Australian International Airshow at Avalon in Victoria.
The new MOU builds upon one signed at the previous air show in 2023, which helped enhance cooperation between the military and civilian space sectors.
Director General DASA Air Commodore James Badgery said the MOU provided the mechanism for DASA and ASA to collaborate on a range of space safety issues.
“While there may necessarily be some unique elements to Defence space safety regulations, we will align with ASA’s regulations as far as possible to assure all Australian space activities meet our international treaty obligations,” Air Commodore Badgery said.
“It is an exciting time in both the Defence and civil space domains.
“The MOU is already paying dividends for Defence by enabling sharing of information to align our approach with ASA, and it will become even more valuable as DASA enacts its regulatory functions.
“A strong relationship with ASA is particularly vital this year while DASA is writing and releasing Defence’s space regulations.
“The MOU will ensure that DASA and ASA continue to share knowledge, information and safety data. ASA has well-established partnerships with space safety leaders across the globe, plus ASA has issued many Australian space instruments. By working closely with ASA, Defence will benefit from that knowledge and experience.”
'It is an exciting time in both the Defence and civil space domains.'
DASA has implemented the Defence Space Safety Program (DSSP) to regulate and assure safety outcomes associated with space activities, including the operation of space launch facilities and the launch, operation and return of space objects.
The DSSP allows Defence to meet moral and legal obligations to ensure risks to the health and safety arising from space activities are eliminated, or otherwise minimised, so far as reasonably practicable.
The program also recognises Defence compliance with statutory safety requirements related to space activities, Australia’s international treaty obligations and emerging international space sustainability guidelines.
General Manager Office of the Space Regulator ASA Christopher DeLuis said this collaboration ensured clear and aligned pathways for both civil and military space safety assurance.
“I look forward to working with Air Commodore Badgery and the team at the Defence Aviation Safety Authority to streamline space regulatory outcomes for the benefit of the nation,” Mr DeLuis said.
Collaboration between military and civilians improves space safety outcomes through harmonised regulatory approaches across the Australian space sector, and the sharing of knowledge, information and safety data.
