Making space safer

The Defence Aviation Safety Authority (DASA) and the Australian Space Agency (ASA) are developing a common approach to the safety regulation of Australian space activities.

CAPTION: Director General of DASA Air Commodore Joe Medved, left, and General Manager of the Office of the Space Regulator at the Australian Space Agency, Christopher De Luis. Photo: Thomas Lewis, Australian Space Agency. Story by Squadron Leader Barrie Bardoe.

This was facilitated by the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MOU) at the 2023 Australian International Air Show at Avalon in Victoria.

Taking part in the signing was the Director General of DASA Air Commodore Joe Medved and General Manager of the Office of the Space Regulator at the Australian Space Agency, Christopher De Luis.

“This MOU demonstrates our commitment to improved space safety outcomes through harmonised regulatory regimes and risk-based approaches to safety, as well as the sharing of knowledge, information and safety data,” Air Commodore Medved said.

“We look forward to working with the ASA on the development of an exemplar space safety regulatory capability matched to Australia’s needs.”

DASA established a Directorate of Space in July last year to provide independent safety assurance of Defence space activities.

Mr De Luis said the growing national space sector presented an excellent opportunity for alignment in the regulation of civil and military Australian space activities.

“This MOU aims to ensure aligned pathways for Australian regulatory applicants to engage in both civil and Defence-focused space activities, avoiding duplication and also providing opportunities to jointly grow Australian space regulatory capability,” Mr De Luis said.

“We look forward to working closely with DASA on the development of world-leading approaches to space safety.”

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