Southern Launch has welcomed the signing of a Technology Safeguards Agreement (TSA) between Australia and the US which will allow for the transfer of US space technology, including rockets and satellites, to be launched from, or returned to, Australia.
Southern Launch’s two unique launch sites are particularly attractive to US companies. The Whalers Way Orbital Launch Complex is designed to accommodate launches into polar and sun-synchronous orbits which is currently only possible from one US launch site.
The Koonibba Test Range can accommodate sub-orbital launches and returns from space. Southern Launch recently announced a partnership with US-based Varda Space Industries to facilitate the return of their in-space manufacturing capsule to the Koonibba Test Range in 2024.
‘Our partnership with Varda Space Industries will see their in-space manufacturing capsules return to our Koonibba Test Range. The TSA makes this process easier and opens the door for us to relaunch these capsules into orbit from our Whalers Way Orbital Launch Facility on a rocket manufactured by a US company,’ said Lloyd Damp, Southern Launch CEO.
‘This creates a circular process that will benefit the wider local space industry and put the skills and capabilities of Australian space companies to the forefront of the global space market. Not to mention the incredible benefits that in-space manufacturing can provide to everyone in society – The TSA paves the way for a new era of space potential.’
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and President Joe Biden signed the TSA during Prime Minister Albanese’s first official state visit to the US; however, the agreement must still be ratified by the Australian parliament.
The two governments outlined the importance of the TSA in a statement from the White House:
"On October 26, the United States and Australia intend to sign a Technology Safeguards Agreement (TSA) that provides the legal and technical framework for U.S. commercial space launch vehicles to launch from Australia in a manner that: protects sensitive U.S. launch technology and data in Australia consistent with our shared non-proliferation goals; and creates the potential for new space-related commercial opportunities. The United States and Australia welcome investments into bilateral commercial space launch activities."