The spaceport joins two more than 100 individuals and organizations – including two former NASA administrators – in agreeing to The Washington Compact, which was created in July 2022 by The Hague Institute for Global Justice.
Space Centre Australia (SCA) chief executive James Palmer said the decision “reaffirmed its dedication to the responsible use of space”.
“As a key player in the Asia-Pacific region, we are committed to leading by example in ensuring space remains a sustainable environment for future generations,” he said.
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The Washington Compact outlines sustainable practices for space activities under several key principles, including compliance with international frameworks, preservation of space heritage and responsible operations.
In particular, it advocates for the help of astronauts in distress in space, regardless of nationality, and for the promotion of a “space culture” through education for future generations.
Other signatories include ex-NASA administrators James F. Bridenstine and General Charles F. Bolden, as well as Australian Space Awards finalist SpacePort Australia.
Space Centre Australia is the planned spaceport in Far North Queensland that recently unveiled former PM Scott Morrison as its chairman. Palmer hopes the site in Cape York could one day become like a “large international airport” for launch vehicles.
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The news comes after Space Connect reported how SCA announced a $30 million deal to acquire two air surveillance radars.
The agreement will see German aerospace firm HENSOLDT deliver two ASR-NG devices that can detect aircraft as small as ultralight gliders within a 120-nanometer radius.
The deal, which will see the radars arrive by the end of 2026, also includes a 20-year sustainment plan.
Australia is currently home to four spaceports: Equatorial Launch Australia’s Arnhem Space Centre in the Northern Territory, Gilmour Space Technologies’ Orbital Spaceport in North Queensland and Southern Launch’s orbital Whalers Way facility and suborbital Koonibba Test Range in South Australia.
Adam Thorn
Adam is a journalist who has worked for more than 40 prestigious media brands in the UK and Australia. Since 2005, his varied career has included stints as a reporter, copy editor, feature writer and editor for publications as diverse as Fleet Street newspaper The Sunday Times, fashion bible Jones, media and marketing website Mumbrella as well as lifestyle magazines such as GQ, Woman’s Weekly, Men’s Health and Loaded. He joined Momentum Media in early 2020 and currently writes for Australian Aviation and World of Aviation.
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