The agreement was signed during the 76th International Astronautical Congress (IAC 2025) at Sydney’s International Convention Centre on 30 September.
“This is just one more step in growing your program and growing the partnership, which we think is so important,” acting NASA administrator Sean Duffy said.
“Great allies working together not just on Earth but in space is critical. And so we appreciate it. We’re hoping to spend more money.
“We all are about getting more money into our budgets since it’s a conversation that both countries have (and consider to be) an important conversation.
“For having our governments be willing to spend money on science and exploration and again, both of us doing that together is going to be important and this is a critical step forward making that happen so.”
As part of the event in Sydney, the Australian federal government is announcing a mandate to begin negotiations on a cooperative agreement between the European Space Agency (ESA) and Australia. This would establish a formal mechanism for Australian businesses and researchers to access ESA’s space science program and missions, as well as for further European activity here in Australia.
These partnerships are envisioned to help bolster and provide opportunities for Australia’s space industry. The congress’ “Australia Zone” is showcasing 150 Australian organisations among a total of around 450 exhibitors. The Australian space sector has a $4.6 billion annual turnover and employs 17,000 people.
IAC 2025 is organised by the International Astronautical Federation and is hosted by the Space Industry Association of Australia.
“IAC 2025 is a terrific opportunity to show the world how much momentum and growth has been achieved in the Australian space sector in the eight years since the congress was last held here,” Minister for Industry and Innovation and Minister for Science Tim Ayres.
“The exhibition hall will showcase the cutting-edge technologies that Australian space research has developed, important as well for their transformative downstream applications for Australian industries on the threshold of the shift to a high-skilled, less carbon-intensive economy.
“Strengthening Australia’s international partnerships with NASA and the European Space Agency creates new opportunities for Australian ideas and technologies, improving Australia’s industrial capability, boosting productivity and building economic resilience.”