UK and Australia forge Space Race Partnership

The world’s first Space Bridge partnership announced recently by the UK and Australia, set to  increase trade, investment and academic research opportunities, will also offer better advice and support to businesses in both countries which share similar ambitions for the size and job creation potential of the sector. This agreement will further develop the longstanding relationship between the two countries which dates back to the 1970s when the Prospero satellite built in Farnborough, UK, launched from Woomera, South Australia.

At the ceremony, UK Science Minister Amanda Solloway said:  “The signing of today’s Space Bridge partnership, a world’s first, with one of our closet international allies, is another step forward in our ambition for the UK to become a globally-competitive space power. The bond will allow our most innovative space businesses and universities to collaborate and share best practice more effectively than ever.”

Minister for Exports, Graham Stuart MP commented: “Space exports hit £5.5 billion in 2017 and it is this international demand for our space goods and services which is driving the development of the UK’s vibrant and innovative space industry. Like the UK, Australia recognises the enormous potential of space science and recognises that closer partnership and alignment between our two sectors can boost progress and jobs in both countries. I believe that UK exports to Australia could grow by £900 million as a result of a Free-Trade Agreement and the Space Bridge programme can play a critical role in space contributing to this growth and further strengthening of our UK-Australia relationship.

“Australia is influential in the Indo-Pacific and a Free-Trade Agreement will help us pivot towards this dynamic area of the world. This will help diversify our trade, make our supply chains more resilient and make the UK less vulnerable to political and economic shocks.”

Enrico Palermo, Head of the Australian Space Agency said: “The Space Bridge Framework Arrangement will help propel the Australian civil space industry into its next phase of growth, opening doors to build local capability, as well as significantly boost our collaboration with the UK Space Agency.

The space sector is one of the fastest-growing UK sectors and aims to create 30,000 new jobs by 2030. The Australian space sector is also growing with up to 20,000 new Australian jobs expected by 2030.

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