Introduction
About Us
The Directorate of Space was established in 2022 as an independent regulator to support Defence’s space capability needs. In 2024 a provision to the Defence Instruction authorised the establishment of the Defence Space Safety Program and empowered DG DASA as the Defence Space Safety Regulator.
As the Defence Space Safety Regulator, DASA’s role will include:
- the issue of space safety regulations and associated guidance material
- the issue of space safety authorisations
- ongoing oversight and enforcement activities
- development of a Defence approach to independent accident and incident investigations
- promotion of space safety through education, training, and dissemination of safety information.
The DSSP and the functions of the Directorate of Space will gradually be implemented over the next two years as this new regulatory capability is established and resourced in alignment with Defence’s demand.
Contact Us
Why does Defence need a space regulator?
SLR ACT
The Australian Space (Launches and Returns) Act (SLR Act) 2018 excludes Defence from certain elements, putting the responsibility for assuring space activity safety and alignment with International Treaties solely with Defence. As has been demonstrated through the Defence Aviation Safety Program, setting up an independent safety assurance team is an effective way for Defence to address safety risks in domains with both technical and operational complexity.
Unique operational requirements
There are inherent differences in military and civilian space activities that require a different regulatory approach. For example, military space commanders sometimes require additional flexibility in applying risk management to space operations, and this has to be catered for within the regulations. Defence space assets and operations often have specific security and operational arrangements that are different to those experienced in the civilian environment. Therefore, DASA, being a military regulatory body, is well-suited to regulating Defence space activities.
DASA's Directorate of Space has been charged with establishing a credible and defensible Defence Space Safety Program.
Licenses & Permits & Approvals
As part of our role in assuring space safety DASA will issue Space Safety Authorisations (SSAs). SSAs include, but is not limited to, launch, return and payload permits, and launch facility licences.
The following table provides an overview on approval types and description.
| Type of approval | Description |
| Launch/return facility license | To operate a launch or return facility in Australia. |
| Australian launch/return permit | To conduct a launch or return of one or more space objects within Australia. |
| Payload and Orbital Permit | To conduct the launch and operation of a payload. |
For any activities where the applications requirements are not published or you are unsure if the listed approvals are applicable to your activity please contact us as early as possible.
Resources and Training
Training is under development.
Other Resources
Defence Space Command Training (internal to Defence only)
Legislation & Policies Framework
The Australian SLR Act 2018 establishes a system for the regulation of Australian commercial space activities and launch of high power rockets to ensure a reasonable balance between participation and innovation and safety. Due to the operational considerations associated with Defence space activities, Defence has chosen to discharge WHS duties through the establishment of a Defence Space Safety Program.
It is Defence’s position that satisfying the SLR Act 2018, international Treaties and the Flight Safety Code are separate obligations to that imposed by the WHS Act. The obligation imposed by the WHS Act is a direct and ongoing duty required of Defence.
Legislation
SLR Act 2018(Opens in a new tab/window)
WHS Act(Opens in a new tab/window)
National Strategy & Plan
Defence Space Strategy (2022) (internal to Defence only)
Space Power Manual (2022) (internal to Defence only)
Australian civil space strategy 2019–2028(Opens in a new tab/window)
Australia in Space: a decadal plan for Australian space science 2021–2030(Opens in a new tab/window)
International Treaties
Australia has ratified the following international treaties:
• Convention on International Liability for Damage Caused by Space Objects(Opens in a new tab/window)
• Convention on Registration of Objects Launched into Outer Space(Opens in a new tab/window)
• Treaty on Principles Governing the Activities of States in the Exploration and Use of Outer Space, including the Moon and other Celestial Bodies(Opens in a new tab/window)
• Agreement Governing the Activities of States on the Moon and other Celestial Bodies(Opens in a new tab/window)
• Agreement on the Rescue of Astronauts, the Return of Astronauts, and the Return of Objects Launched into Outer Space(Opens in a new tab/window)
Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) & Memorandums of Understanding (MOU)
ASA & DASA MOU (internal to Defence only)
Authorisations
Defence Instruction MCS3 – Defence Space Safety Program (internal to Defence only)
Regulations
Guidance
Guidance documents provide information to aid understanding and compliance with specific DASA regulations. Guidance material will be linked here once published.