Science Minister Sam Gyimah has confirmed that the UK and Australia will co-operate on activities including communications technologies, space situational awareness and satellite navigation, following the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding that provides a framework for collaborative activities and the exchange of information, technology and personnel.

He said: “This agreement is a great example of the importance of international collaboration and how we are working with our growing space sector to ensure it continues to thrive.”

Karen Andrews — Australia’s Minister for Industry, Science and Technology — said: “Forging international partnerships is vital to building Australia’s space industry and ensuring that our businesses can compete on the world stage.

“Agreements with counterpart space agencies in the UK and Canada will increase opportunities to work together and share information, technology and personnel between our nations.

“They represent a significant step in Australia’s journey with fellow space-faring nations, and will help to grow the capability and competitiveness of our domestic space sector.”

The agreement was signed by the UK Space Agency and the Australian Space Agency, which was established on 1 July 2018.

With 10,000 people already working in its space sector, Australia has strong capabilities in areas such as satellite data applications and the tracking of space debris, as well as an established network of ground stations to support communications and other space technologies.