NASA signs US-Australia Agreement on Aeronautics, Space Cooperation
At the recent International Astronautical Congress (IAC) in Sydney, a significant agreement was signed between the United States and Australia, aimed at enhancing collaboration in aeronautics and space exploration. Acting NASA Administrator Sean Duffy and Australian Space Agency Head Enrico Palermo formalized this partnership on September 30, 2025, marking a pivotal moment in the longstanding relationship between the two nations in space activities. Duffy emphasized the importance of this agreement, stating that it builds upon a rich history of cooperation that dates back to the Apollo missions and extends to the current Artemis program. He noted that international collaborations like this one not only leverage resources but also enhance scientific returns, which are vital for NASA’s ambitious plans that include missions to the Moon, Mars, and beyond.
The agreement, officially titled the “Framework Agreement between the Government of the United States of America and the Government of Australia on Cooperation in Aeronautics and the Exploration and Use of Airspace and Outer Space for Peaceful Purposes,” lays a legal foundation for mutual cooperation in various fields. Australian Minister for Industry and Innovation Tim Ayres highlighted that this partnership is expected to create opportunities for Australian innovations and technologies, thereby boosting the nation’s industrial capabilities and economic resilience. Potential areas of collaboration encompass a wide range of disciplines, including space exploration, Earth science, and aeronautics research. Notably, Australia is currently developing a semi-autonomous lunar rover set to launch by the end of the decade, which will carry a NASA analysis instrument as part of the Commercial Lunar Payload Services (CLPS) initiative.
This agreement not only reinforces the historical ties between NASA and Australia—dating back to the 1960s when they first collaborated on civil space activities—but also positions both nations to play a pivotal role in the evolving landscape of global space exploration. As one of the original signatories of the Artemis Accords, Australia has committed to principles that promote the safe and responsible use of outer space. The IAC served as a platform for global leaders from the 56 signatory countries to discuss the implementation of these principles, further solidifying the collaborative spirit that is essential for the future of space exploration. By building on a legacy of partnership that includes notable projects like the Canberra Deep Space Communication Complex, which supported the Apollo missions, this agreement signifies a promising future for joint endeavors in space science and exploration. For more information on NASA’s international partnerships, visit their official website.
Acting NASA Administrator Sean Duffy and Australian Space Agency Head Enrico Palermo signed an agreement Sept. 30, 2025, in Sydney that strengthens collaboration in aeronautics and space exploration between the two nations.
Credit: NASA/Max van Otterdyk
At the International Astronautical Congress (IAC) taking place in Sydney this week, representatives from the United States and Australia gathered to sign a framework agreement that strengthens collaboration in aeronautics and space exploration between the two nations.
Acting NASA Administrator Sean Duffy and Australian Space Agency Head Enrico Palermo signed the agreement Tuesday on behalf of their countries, respectively.
“Australia is an important and longtime space partner, from Apollo to Artemis, and this agreement depends on that partnership,” said Duffy. “International agreements like this one work to leverage our resources and increase our capacities and scientific returns for all, proving critical to NASA’s plans from low Earth orbit to the Moon, Mars, and beyond.”
Australian Minister for Industry and Innovation and Minister for Science Tim Ayres said the signing builds on more than half a century of collaboration between the two nations.
“Strengthening Australia’s partnership with the U.S. and NASA creates new opportunities for Australian ideas and technologies, improving Australia’s industrial capability, boosting productivity, and building economic resilience,” Ayres said.
Known as the “Framework Agreement between the Government of the United States of America and the Government of Australia on Cooperation in Aeronautics and the Exploration and Use of Airspace and Outer Space for Peaceful Purposes,” it recognizes cooperation that’s mutually beneficial for the U.S. and Australia and establishes the legal framework under which the countries will work together.
Potential areas for cooperation include space exploration, space science, Earth science including geodesy, space medicine and life sciences, aeronautics research, and technology.
NASA has collaborated with Australia on civil space activities since 1960, when the two countries signed their first cooperative space agreement. The Canberra Deep Space Communication Complex played a vital role in supporting NASA’s Apollo Program, most notably during the Apollo 13 mission. Today, the complex is one of three global stations in NASA’s Deep Space Network, supporting both robotic and human spaceflight missions.
One of the original signatories to the Artemis Accords, Australia joined the United States under President Donald Trump and six other nations in October 2020, in supporting a basic set of principles for the safe and responsible use of space. Global space leaders from many of the 56 signatory countries met at IAC in Sydney this week to further their implementation.
As part of an
existing partnership
with the Australian Space Agency, Australia is developing a semi-autonomous lunar rover, which will carry a NASA analysis instrument intended to demonstrate technology for scientific and exploration purposes. The rover is scheduled to launch by the end of this decade through NASA’s CLPS (Commercial Lunar Payload Services) initiative.
NASA’s international partnerships reflect the agency’s commitment to peaceful, collaborative space exploration. Building on a legacy of cooperation, from the space shuttle to the International Space Station and now Artemis, international partnerships support NASA’s plans for lunar exploration under the Artemis campaign and future human exploration of Mars.
To learn more about NASA’s international partnerships, visit:
https://www.nasa.gov/oiir/
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Last Updated
Sep 30, 2025
Location
NASA Headquarters
Related Terms
Artemis
Artemis Accords
Commercial Lunar Payload Services (CLPS)
Office of International and Interagency Relations (OIIR)
