The head of the European Space Agency says he is ready to act “immediately” if Australia wants to join the ESA — but he is yet to receive a commitment.

Agency director-general Johann-Dietrich Woerner spoke to The West Australian ahead of his trip to Perth tomorrow, where he will visit the agency’s deep-space antenna near New Norcia.

The New Norcia facility was the agency’s first deep-space ground station.

The ESA now has three of the stations worldwide, each playing crucial roles in tracking its most high-profile missions.

Mr Woerner has been busy at the International Astronautical Congress in Adelaide this week, where the Federal Government revealed plans for a national space agency.

Representatives from US, Russian and European space agencies welcomed the announcement, which would leave Iceland as the only OECD country without an agency.

Premier Mark McGowan and Durack MP Melissa Price have called for the agency to be fully or partly based in WA.

Australia’s ties with ESA reach back to the agency’s formative years in the 1960s, when it provided the Woomera launch site for the Europa 1 rocket.

Europa 1 was the product of the European Launcher Development Organisation, the predecessor to ESA.

Australia, the only non-European member of ELDO, chose not to continue with ESA.

After Monday’s announcement, Mr Woerner said he wanted Australia to join ESA as an associate member, alongside Canada.

“I think Australia would be a very good partner because in the past we had already several interactions,” Mr Woerner said.

“First of all we need a decision on the Australian side and then we would have to go to our member states.

“As soon as I get the signal from Australia I will go to my member states.

“If I get a clear message I can do it immediately. I’ve had positive sentiments, but not any clear commitment.”

Joining the ESA would not stop Australia’s agency working with NASA.

ESA senior science and exploration adviser Mark McCaughrean suggested Australia could save money by joining ESA and gaining access to Earth observation data.

He said an Australian space agency was long overdue.

Camera Icon ESA senior science and exploration adviser Mark McCaughrean at the New Norcia station. Credit: Michael Wilson/The West Australian

“Particularly given Australia’s enormous strength in astronomy and space science - and of course its very important role in the start of the European space exploration,” Mr McCaughrean said.

“From the science perspective, Australia has long been in that position. Now you can start setting your own priorities.”

Acting Industry Minister Michaelia Cash said the Federal Government would have a clearer plan for the agency by March.

“An expert reference group is undertaking a review of Australia’s space industry capability and will provide advice to government by March,” Senator Cash said.

“This advice will help guide decisions about the specific roles and responsibilities of the space agency.”