To the Moon and Beyond: Australia’s Space Activities and Obligations Under International Law

In recent years, there has been an increased recognition of the importance of space to Australia’s economic, social, and national security interests. Australia may soon find itself torn between its obligations under international space law and its involvement in internationally collaborative space activities.

Space technologies impact the lives of Australians daily. Banking, satellite navigation, and communications all depend on space technologies. In recent years, there has been an increased recognition of the importance of space to Australia’s economic, social, and national security interests. The Australian government is investing AUD$2.4 billion to triple the size of the Australian domestic space industry by 2030, and AUD$7 billion to provide the Australian Defence Force with assured access to space, enable situational awareness, and deliver real-time communications and positioning, navigation, and timing information.