Southern Launch signs TSA with US

London, 27 October 2023.- Southern Launch, an Australian rocket launch and range service provider company, have announced the signing of a Technology Safeguards Agreement (TSA) between Australia and the US. The agreement will allow for the transfer of US Space Technology including rockets and satellites to be launched from, or returned to Australia. 

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and President Joe Biden signed the TSA during Prime Minister Albanese’s first official state visit to the US. The agreement must still be ratified by the Australian parliament.

The agreement will provide 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.

“This agreement will accelerate the development of the Australian space industry and we are excited about the opportunities this will bring to our nation. We have known for many years that our launch sites and expertise could benefit the US, now it’s time for us to step into the spotlight and showcase our capabilities to the world,” said Lloyd Damp, CEO of Southern Launch. “This agreement will accelerate the development of the Australian space industry and we are excited about the opportunities this will bring to our nation. We have known for many years that our launch sites and expertise could benefit the US, now it’s time for us to step into the spotlight and showcase our capabilities to the world.”

Southern Launch has two launch sites. 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.