DSSP Manual
In 2024, the Defence Instruction – Military Command Support Provision 3: Defence Space Safety Program (MCS3) first defined the powers and accountabilities of the Defence Spaceworthiness Authority and established the Defence Space Safety Program (DSSP). The DSSP Manual codifies the DSSP, establishing policy and guidance for its administration and implementation. The Manual is published in three volumes and a Manual of Standards as captured below. Volume One of the DSSP Manual is approved by the Defence Spaceworthiness Authority (Chief of Joint Capabilities) and the other Volumes are approved by the Defence Space Safety Regulator (Director General Defence Aviation Safety Authority). Volume Two of the DSSP Manual presents General Requirements and the Defence Space Safety Regulations (DSSR) Parts.
Volume 1
Volume 2
DSSP Manual Volume 2 presents General Requirements and the Defence Space Safety Regulations Parts. General Requirements establish overarching provisions that are applicable to commanders and managers responsible for space activities within the scope of the DSSP. The DSSR Parts establish regulations specific to launch facilities, payloads and orbital operations, and space launch and return activities. This DSSR Part establishes the requirements for the issue of a Space Safety Authorisation, describing the obligations of the applicant for, and holder of, an Authorisation. The General Requirements and Payloads and Orbital Permit Regulations have been released as of Dec 25. Launches and Returns Permit and Launch Facilites Licence Regulations will be released in stages.
Volume 3
Volume 3 of the DSSP Manual provides guidance to support the effective administration of the DSSP. Its purpose is to promote understanding of how the various elements of the DSSP work together to achieve Defence’s space safety objectives and to assist the Defence space community in complying with applicable requirements. Volume 3 will present administrative actions and processes that enable the smooth functioning of the DSSP, for example processes and templates for applying for a Space Safety Authorisation. Such information solely relates to the management and execution of the DSSP and not to the management of space safety risk. Volume 3 will be promulgated in stages.
Manual of Standards
The Manual of Standards supports the DSSR by providing detailed technical and operational material. It will include standards (tailored to Defence’s context) for the design and manufacture of space systems, detailed descriptions of the way in which a space service or facility should operate, and other detailed material that contributes to Defence space safety. The Manual of Standards will be progressively released, concurrently with the associated DSSR Parts.