Chris Picton MP
Minister for Defence & Space Industries

An Australian-first partnership with international space organisation, Space Florida, will see South Australia elevate its role in the global space launch market.

The State Government, through the South Australian Space Industry Centre (SASIC), has entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Space Florida to support increased international engagement and cooperation in the space sector.

The MoU was announced at the 19th Australian Space Forum in Adelaide this week and establishes a framework for cooperation across areas of mutual interest.

Under the MoU, Space Florida and SASIC will work together on:

  • Spaceport development — sharing expertise in spaceport development, including Space Florida’s financing and infrastructure development toolkit and SASIC’s experience establishing reentry corridors in South Australia, while pursuing joint spaceport development projects.
  • Space trade — jointly assessing the feasibility, business case, and infrastructure needs for through-space transportation of goods and services between Florida and South Australia, including exploring a potential demonstration mission.
  • Economic opportunity — establishing channels to share business development leads and identify opportunities for companies in each location to leverage the other’s capabilities and market access.
  • Research and development — connecting research networks in both regions, including Florida’s University Space Research Consortium and South Australia’s space research network.
  • Workforce development — collaborating in inspiring the next generation and facilitating relationships between institutions in Florida and South Australia to build the next generation of space talent.

With rising global demand for launch and capacity constraints across existing spaceports, there is increasing opportunity for Australia to contribute to international launch capability.

Florida is home to the world’s busiest spaceport and a statewide ecosystem of aerospace talent and infrastructure, while South Australia brings unique capabilities, including different launch trajectories and growing re-entry operations, making the two regions natural partners in advancing space development on a global scale.

The MoU provides a platform for both parties to explore economic and trade opportunities that leverage their complementary capabilities, including concepts involving launch operations in the United States and potential landing and recovery activities in South Australia.

The agreement also reflects a shared commitment to strengthen ties between their respective spaceports and space industries, building a long-term relationship that will create pathways for joint projects, knowledge exchange and industry collaboration.

As the South Australian Government’s lead agency for space matters, SASIC has supported the development of the state’s space industry since 2017, including efforts to attract investment, facilitate industry growth and build capability across the sector.

Space Florida is a global hub for aerospace commerce, innovation, and investment and represents one of the world’s most mature and active spaceport ecosystems.

The agreement supports ongoing efforts to develop South Australia’s space sector and strengthen its role in building critical national space capability.

Quotes attributable to Chris Picton
Strong international partnerships are essential to delivering Australia’s space future, and South Australia is playing a leading role in advancing that effort.

Partnering with Space Florida connects South Australia with one of the world’s most established space ecosystems and strengthens Australia’s position in the global space sector.

This agreement builds national space capability and will advance Australia’s position as a global launch destination.

Quotes attributable to Rob Long, Space Florida President and CEO
Florida’s role in the global space economy has always depended on the strength of our partnerships, not just our launch capabilities.

South Australia is emerging as a serious force in spaceport development and space trade, and this MoU lays the groundwork for a long-term relationship that will benefit both regions as that growth continues.

Florida’s role in the global space economy has always depended on the strength of our partnerships, not just our launch capabilities.
 
South Australia is emerging as a serious force in spaceport development and space trade, and this MoU lays the groundwork for a long-term relationship that will benefit both regions as that growth continues.