The Australian Space Agency and ACT government have set a trajectory to further drive the growth of Australia’s space sector with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU).

The MoU, signed on March 12, will establish a framework of cooperation in the development of space related industries as the Australian Space Agency looks to strengthen the national space sector from its location in Adelaide.

Some of the areas of cooperation under the MoU include quantum communications, deep space communications, design, test and qualification of space hardware, space situational awareness, and space law.

Minister for Industry, Science and Technology Karen Andrews said the agreement outlines key areas where the agency can work with the ACT government to boost the growth of Australia’s space industry.

“[The] government is determined to maximise the potential of the Australian Space Agency and partner with the states and territories to produce the best results for the nation.

“Our plan to further grow Australia’s economy includes an aim to triple the size of Australia’s space sector to $12 billion and create up to 20,000 new jobs by 2030,” said Andrews.

“By further bolstering our space sector, we can position Australia to grab a bigger slice of the US$345 billion global space economy,” she said.

ACT chief minister Andrew Barr said the signing demonstrated his government’s commitment to supporting space industries, including critical infrastructure.

“We want to ensure that the ACT’s own space industry can continue to grow with the support of the Agency.

“With nearly one in four Australian space industry jobs based in Canberra, we recognise that building partnerships in this sector will strengthen the local and national industry and create more jobs here in Canberra.”

Head of the Australian Space Agency, Dr Megan Clark said the agreement supports the agency’s purpose to transform and grow a globally respected Australian space industry.

“All states and territories have a vital role to play in growing our space sector. We’re continuing to work closely with all jurisdictions across Australia as we establish our location in Adelaide,” said Clark.

The federal government established the Australian Space Agency in July 2018 and is investing $41 million over four years in its development as part of our plan to grow this sector, and create an additional 1.25m jobs in the next five years.