Overview
The Australian Space Agency is seeking feedback on proposed changes to the following rules for space and high power rocket activities:
The proposed changes simplify parts of these rules. They will enhance the regulation of space activities and better achieve the object of the Space (Launches and Returns) Act 2018 (the Act). One of the objectives of the Act is to ensure a reasonable balance between safety and the removal of barriers to participation.
These proposed changes are in response to feedback from stakeholders, including evidence heard during the House Standing Committee on Industry, Science and Resources’ inquiry into developing Australia’s space industry and from on-going engagement with the space sector.
The proposed changes will:
remove the three-stage application process for a launch facility licence
include further exceptions to the meaning of ‘accident’
clarify the Minister’s power to approve a suitably qualified expert in the General Rules and High Power Rocket Rules
change the notice period that the Launch Safety Officer must give to relevant persons before a launch or return of a space object from ‘30 days’ to ‘20 days’
substitute a reference to ‘auditor’ with a reference to ‘qualified accountant (within the meaning of the Corporations Act 2001)’ in section 16(3) of the General Rules
make other minor administrative updates to the rules.
This is the second stage of proposed amendments to the rules. The stage 1 amendments resulted in the Space (Launches and Returns) Legislation Amendment (Suitably Qualified Experts) Rules 2023 coming into effect on 17 August 2023. Read about stage 1 here.
Consultation documents
The Stage 2 consultation paper provides an overview of the changes we propose to make and why we propose make them.
We have also provided an exposure draft of the legislative instrument that will amend the rules. The exposure drafts shows how the General Rules and High Power Rocket Rules will be amended by the proposed changes.
We have also provided marked up versions of the General Rules and High Power Rocket Rules so you can see the proposed changes in context.