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President Joe Biden and Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese will sign an agreement on Thursday that will establish a legal and technical framework for US commercial space launch vehicles to launch from Australia. The Technology Safeguards Agreement (TSA), as stated by the White House, aims to protect sensitive US launch technology and data in Australia, while also creating new opportunities for space-related commercial activities.

The TSA is part of Albanese’s state visit to the US, during which both leaders are discussing various initiatives for collaboration between the two countries. These initiatives include partnerships in advanced technology and space exploration, and the promotion of investments into bilateral commercial space launch activities. The agreement was first announced during the G7 Summit in Japan in May, following negotiations that began in October 2021.

Australia expects the TSA to stimulate growth within its domestic launch sector by supporting the development of infrastructure to facilitate US launch activities. The country already has ongoing space launch initiatives, such as Equatorial Launch Australia’s new spaceport in the Northern Territory, Southern Launch, and Gilmour Space.

Furthermore, the United States and Australia have agreed to continue their partnership in promoting responsible behavior in space. This involves collaboration within the UN Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space and engaging with India and Japan to stimulate dialogue among other Indo-Pacific partners regarding sustainable practices in outer space.

Both nations have already signed the Artemis Accords and made previous commitments to avoid conducting destructive, direct-ascent anti-satellite missile testing.

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