The UK Space Agency and Australian Space Agency have signed an agreement to co-operate on communication technologies, space situational awareness and satellite navigation.

The agreement is based on an existing collaboration between the UK and Australia in space science, technology and applications, space policy, law and regulation, and human capital development.

Both countries will work on several related activities as well as share information, technology and personnel.

UK Science Minister Sam Gyimah said: “When Brits first heard about Australia we thought it was the final frontier, but now we can boldly go even further together through this special space partnership benefitting science, jobs and growth the world over.

” Through our modern Industrial Strategy, we are working with our growing space sector to ensure it continues to thrive.”

“This agreement is a great example of the importance of international collaboration and how, through our modern Industrial Strategy, we are working with our growing space sector to ensure it continues to thrive.”

UK Space Agency, an executive agency sponsored by the UK’s Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy, is primarily involved in make strategic decisions on the UK civil space programme.

Australian Space Agency head Dr Megan Clark AC said: “UK and Australia are both committed to growing their space industries and we welcome new cooperation between UK and Australia in space including Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation’s (CSIRO) partnership with Surrey Satellite on the NovaSar earth observation satellite and Airbus and UK Ministry of Defence on the Zephyr.”

Australia currently has 10,000 people working in the space sector and has capabilities in several areas including satellite data applications, tracking of space debris, among others.