Australian Space Regulation and commercial space transportation: the potential benefits of developing clearer regulatory policy
Conference
76th International Astronautical Congress 2025 (IAC)
Title
Australian Space Regulation and commercial space transportation: the potential benefits of developing clearer regulatory policy
Abstract
Australia’s existing Space (Launches and Returns) regulations do not specifically address orbital and suborbital space transportation. While not specifically addressed, the Space (Launches and Returns) Act 2018 and its associated Rules and standards* have established a sufficient framework to evaluate and authorise suborbital and orbital launches and returns, as well as launch facilities, which broadly cover the needs for space transportation.
However, the Australian space regulations do have some key gaps which will likely result in challenges for applicants intending to conduct regular space transportation operations to, from, or within Australia. One potential issue is not in the space regulations specifically, but in the definition of the boundaries and interaction with other regulations and regulatory bodies, like the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) which is responsible for airspace management. Another key issue is the silence of the Australian space regulations on human spaceflight, and the unique challenges it has for ensuring safety.
While the existing Australian space legislation can potentially support these types of space activities, the ambiguity in the governance will likely result in significant work for the applicants and the regulator to develop a path forward. By pre-emptively updating the Australian space regulation to specifically address suborbital and orbital space transportation, a considered approach can be developed to address potential challenges.
* Space (Launches and Returns) (General) Rules 2019, Space (Launches and Returns) (High Power Rocket) Rules 2019, and Space (Launches and Returns) (Insurance) Rules 2019, Flight Safety Code, and the Maximum Probable Loss (MPL) Methodology
Key takeaways:
- Through a proactive approach, a regulatory framework can be established that will improve efficiency and meet the cadence required for future suborbital and orbital space transport, as well as create a path for human spaceflight.
- Possible options for improvement include certification of spacecraft operators, a coordinated approach to traffic management, the establishment of space ports as ports of entry, and adding specific criteria for human spaceflight in the space regulations.
Authors
Shena Howell, Senior Systems Engineer Shoal Group
Date
Tuesday 30 September 2025
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About Shoal
Shoal is complex systems design company. We use Systems Engineering combined with Modelling, Simulation and Analysis to help our clients define, analyse, decide, optimise, and deliver technology-intensive projects in complex environments across Defence, Space, Transport, Energy and Infrastructure.
More: shoalgroup.com
Contact
Matthew Wylie
Chief Engineer, Shoal Group
[email protected]
