The United States and Australia have formalized a new agreement to expand their collaboration in space exploration and aeronautics. The deal was signed on September 30, 2025, by Acting NASA Administrator Sean Duffy and Australian Space Agency Head Enrico Palermo during the International Astronautical Congress (IAC) in Sydney.
This framework agreement establishes a legal structure for joint projects, building on a partnership that dates back to the earliest days of the space age. The collaboration aims to advance scientific research and technological development for both nations.
Key Takeaways
- The U.S. and Australia signed a new framework agreement for space and aeronautics cooperation.
- The agreement builds on more than 60 years of partnership, including support for the Apollo missions.
- Areas for collaboration include space exploration, Earth science, space medicine, and technology development.
- A key joint project involves an Australian-built lunar rover for NASA's Artemis program, scheduled for launch by 2030.
Details of the Framework Agreement
The signing ceremony took place at the International Astronautical Congress, a major global gathering for the space community. The document, officially titled the “Framework Agreement between the Government of the United States of America and the Government of Australia on Cooperation in Aeronautics and the Exploration and Use of Airspace and Outer Space for Peaceful Purposes,” sets the stage for future joint activities.
Acting NASA Administrator Sean Duffy emphasized the long-standing relationship between the two countries. He noted that such international partnerships are essential for achieving ambitious goals in space.
“Australia is an important and longtime space partner, from Apollo to Artemis, and this agreement depends on that partnership,” said Duffy. “International agreements like this one work to leverage our resources and increase our capacities and scientific returns for all, proving critical to NASA’s plans from low Earth orbit to the Moon, Mars, and beyond.”
The agreement provides a comprehensive legal basis for cooperation across a wide range of fields. These potential areas include deep space exploration, Earth science, space medicine, aeronautics research, and the development of new space technologies.
A Partnership Spanning Six Decades
The collaboration between NASA and Australia is not new. The first cooperative space agreement was signed in 1960, marking the beginning of a long and fruitful partnership. This history is a cornerstone of the current relationship.
The Canberra Deep Space Communication Complex
A central element of the U.S.-Australia space partnership is the Canberra Deep Space Communication Complex (CDSCC). It is one of three stations in NASA’s Deep Space Network, which provides continuous communication for interplanetary spacecraft. The facility played a crucial role during the Apollo program, famously relaying communications during the Apollo 13 emergency.
Australian Minister for Industry and Innovation, Tim Ayres, highlighted the economic and technological benefits of the renewed partnership for his country.
“Strengthening Australia’s partnership with the U.S. and NASA creates new opportunities for Australian ideas and technologies, improving Australia’s industrial capability, boosting productivity, and building economic resilience,” Ayres stated.
This historical context provides a strong foundation for the new agreement, which aims to elevate the partnership to meet the challenges of modern space exploration.
Future Goals and the Artemis Program
The new agreement is closely tied to current and future space exploration initiatives, particularly NASA's Artemis program, which aims to return humans to the Moon and eventually send them to Mars.
Australia was one of the original signatories of the Artemis Accords in October 2020. These accords establish a set of principles for the safe and responsible exploration of space. As of the signing, 56 nations have joined the accords, demonstrating a growing international consensus on norms for space activities.
Joint Lunar Rover Project
A tangible outcome of the existing partnership is the development of a semi-autonomous lunar rover by Australia. This rover is designed to collect and analyze lunar soil, known as regolith. It will carry a specialized NASA instrument intended to demonstrate technology for extracting resources like oxygen from the lunar surface—a key step for establishing a sustainable human presence on the Moon. The rover is scheduled to launch via NASA's Commercial Lunar Payload Services (CLPS) initiative before the end of this decade.
This rover project is a prime example of the type of collaborative missions the new framework agreement will facilitate. It allows both nations to contribute their unique technological strengths to a common goal, advancing scientific knowledge and exploration capabilities.
Strengthening International Collaboration
NASA has consistently emphasized the importance of international partnerships in its long-term strategy. From the International Space Station to the Artemis program, collaboration has been key to the success of major space missions.
The agreement with Australia reinforces this approach, ensuring that resources, expertise, and scientific returns are shared. By establishing clear legal and operational guidelines, the framework enables smoother and more efficient cooperation on complex, large-scale projects.
The focus on peaceful purposes is a critical component of the agreement, aligning with the principles of the Artemis Accords and promoting a stable and transparent environment for all space-faring nations. As humanity pushes further into the solar system, such international agreements are expected to become increasingly vital for managing the shared domain of outer space.