An increasing number of countries are entering the field of space development in hopes of using it as a catalyst for economic growth and the creation of new industries. Australia is one such country. In 2018, it established the Australian Space Agency and has since accelerated its domestic space initiatives.

On May 22, the “Australia-Japan: Partnerships in Space” was held at the Australia Pavilion of Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai.

Enrico Palermo, Head of the Australian Space Agency, took the stage and explained that Australia aims to strengthen its launch capabilities and space exploration infrastructure through international collaboration.

During his visit to Japan, Palermo spoke with Sorabatake about Australia’s space policy.

In the interview, he even used the World Cup as a metaphor to describe the relationship between Japan and Australia. Be sure to check out the meaning behind his words.

Six Years Since Its Establishment:Australia Kicks Off Lunar Rover Program and Names Its First Astronaut

——Could you tell us about the background behind the establishment of the Australian Space Agency?

The Australian Space Agency (ASA) was established in 2018 as a national space agency to coordinate all space-related activities across the government. Around the mid-2010s, we began to see a wave of space startups emerging in Australia. There was a growing realization that forming a space agency could serve as a catalyst for the growth of the commercial space sector.

Australia has a long and proud history in space. We take pride in the knowledge and traditions of our Indigenous peoples, who have used the stars for navigation and scientific purposes for generations. Additionally, Australia has collaborated with NASA and the European Space Agency (ESA) for over 50 years in deep space communications, and we have strong expertise in remote sensing and Earth observation. These strengths made it clear that Australia had the potential to make even greater contributions to the global space economy, which was another key driver behind the agency’s formation.

——What kind of changes have occurred since ASA was launched in 2018?

Looking back over the past 6 years, I believe the establishment of ASA has accelerated Australia’s space activities. For example, we’re currently developing a lunar rover program, and we’ve established partnerships with more than 15 space agencies around the world. In 2021, we opened the Australian Space Discovery Centre in Adelaide — a public space designed to inspire our citizens. And we’re proud to have trained the first astronaut under the Australian flag. These are just a few of the many achievements we’ve seen since ASA was founded.

——You previously served as COO at Virgin Galactic, a company known for its space tourism services. It’s quite rare for someone with a background in private-sector space ventures to head a national space agency. How did you come to take on the role of ASA Director?

Leading the Australian Space Agency is truly an incredible privilege for me.

My path to this role is closely connected to the original vision behind the agency’s formation. From the beginning, ASA was designed with a clear mission: to foster the growth of high-tech companies with advanced manufacturing capabilities and to promote international partnerships.

In my previous role at Virgin Galactic, I helped build an aerospace manufacturing organization. Furthermore, I worked on international partnerships, led fundraising efforts, and focused on all the key elements needed to grow a space company.This leadership position was a chance to bring that experience and grow Australia’s ecosystem.

——Space policy touches on a wide range of sectors. Are there any particular challenges you’ve faced in implementing policy?

As you mentioned, by its very nature, space is deeply embedded in every aspect of our economy, society, and national security.

It truly touches all areas of government and serves as a foundational enabler for critical and emerging technologies like AI, quantum computing, and robotics.

Because of this, space is a cross-cutting policy domain that requires coordination across the entire government — and that coordination can be quite complex. Each department and agency has its own set of priorities, and figuring out how to align them effectively is one of the ongoing challenges we face.

And I believe this is not unique to Australia. It’s a complexity that every spacefaring nation must navigate. Take rocket launch regulation, for instance — it’s not just about the technical aspects of safety. You also have to consider environmental regulations, as well as international agreements related to overflight and airspace.Bringing all that complexity together is one of the challenges we face.

Australia’s Support for Space Startups Goes Beyond Funding

—— Let’s turn now to Australia’s space policy. To begin with, what are the current priority areas?

The current focus of the Australian government is to ensure continued access to the critical space services our country needs to build industrial capability — particularly in advanced manufacturing — in a way that enhances the sophistication of our economy and creates jobs in regional areas.

We’re also committed to being a responsible operator in space. That means finding the right balance between ensuring public safety and fostering entrepreneurial activity as we build Australia’s launch and return ecosystem. At the same time, we’re working to inspire the next generation to pursue studies and careers in STEM.

——In Australia, venture companies such as Gilmour Space Technologies, which develops rockets, and Fleet Space Technologies, which provides satellite-based solutions, are gaining attention. What kind of support does the government provide to private-sector players like these?

The role of the government, through the space agency, is to create the conditions for growth — just as it does in other sectors — by fostering entrepreneurship and building a strong foundation. In that sense, our role is multifaceted.For example, grant funding is an important tool to stimulate growth in the space sector, and some of the companies you mentioned have indeed received Australian government grants.

But support isn’t just about funding. Equally important is enabling companies to forge international partnerships.

——Speaking of international partnerships, in 2023, Australia signed a Technology Safeguards Agreement (TSA) with the United States. What significance does this agreement hold?

The TSA is a treaty-level agreement between Australia and the United States that enables the launch of U.S. rockets and satellites from Australia.

We’re truly honored to have reached this agreement with the U.S. government. In many respects, we believe the TSA will be transformational for Australia’s space sector. After all, the United States has the world’s largest spaceflight market, and the TSA provides access for Australian industry and spaceport operators to that market.

Our role, as the space agency, is to act as a facilitator — helping to establish agreements like the TSA that serve as enablers for industry.

Beyond that, I see two additional responsibilities for the government.

The first is regulation as an enabler of industry.We need a responsible regulatory framework that ensures public safety and protects property, while at the same time balancing entrepreneurialism and the opportunity for entrepreneurs to take risks.

The second is education and inspiration.It’s about telling stories — giving reasons to the Australian community about why space investments matter: how they matter to the economy, to national security, and to society. And connected to that is the importance of inspiring the youth of our country to pursue careers in STEM.

——You mentioned spaceports earlier. Japan is also making progress in developing spaceports across the country. What are your thoughts on the potential for collaboration between Japan and Australia in this area?

Australia’s spaceflight ecosystem is commercially led. We have entrepreneurs who are developing rockets and building spaceports, aiming to attract commercial customers from both within Australia and overseas. Personally, I see more opportunities for collaboration between Australia and Japan than competition.
Globally, spaceports face common challenges such as how frequently they can launch, and how to deal with weather or other causes of delay. By working together and sharing both demand and opportunity, I believe we can help grow our respective space ecosystems.

Of course, competition is inherent in any commercial market — without competition, it wouldn’t be a market. So we can support each other while also being, at times, friendly rivals. And I think that’s a good thing.

I often compare the relationship between Australia and Japan to the World Cup. We’re fierce rivals, but also friendly partners. Our partnership in the space sector is grounded in over 45 years of bilateral cooperation under a science and technology treaty, and it was further strengthened in 2020 with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between JAXA and the Australian Space Agency, which has promoted even deeper collaboration between our governments and industries.

——I’d also like to ask about satellite data. How is Australia utilizing Earth observation technologies?

Both Australia and Japan are affected by natural disasters — earthquakes in Japan, and in Australia, recurring floods and droughts. In recent years, bushfires(wildfires) have also become more common in Australia. Because of this, the ways in which satellite-based Earth observation data is used are incredibly diverse.

As you know, it’s obviously used in predicting extreme weather events, and that’s very important for ensuring the safety of citizens.But beyond that, Earth observation data is also used for mapping. For example, satellites can identify the extent of flooding or drought, and in the case of wildfires, they can analyze forest density and wind direction to help first responders determine the most effective locations for firefighting efforts. Australia is privileged to have a long standing partnership with Japan for access to data from Japan’s advanced and innovative Himawari Earth Observation satellites.

We’re seeing growing demand for these kinds of space-based products. But just like in Japan, I believe there’s an opportunity to increase the adoption of space data and space services.

Take precision agriculture, for example. With the right Earth observation technologies, we can assess moisture levels in crops, determine whether fertilizers are working effectively — whether to increase or decrease usage — and monitor how pests are spreading. Spectral data from space, such as color changes, can also indicate whether plants are under stress.

——Final question. As more countries around the world enter the field of space development, how does Australia hope to position itself in the global space landscape going forward?

As I mentioned earlier, Australia has been contributing to space activities for many decades, working with partners around the world. We are known as a reliable and trusted partner — one that values norms and responsible behavior in space. No matter what we do, we want to maintain a sense of care and responsibility in everything we undertake.

We also hope to be recognized as an innovative partner that brings new technologies developed by our entrepreneurs and creates new value. In the end, space is fundamentally built on international collaboration. This year, Australia will host the 76th International Astronautical Congress (IAC) in Sydney. Space relationships are deep, long-standing, and enduring — and we believe it is essential to work together not only with our allies and friends, but with all international players.

If I may, I’d like to say a few words to close the interview. This is actually my first time visiting Japan, and both I and the entire ASA team have been truly fortunate to experience the wonderful hospitality of the Japanese people. The Osaka–Kansai Expo is also a special opportunity to experience Japan’s unique culture of hospitality firsthand.

From a partnership perspective, we at ASA are deeply honored to count JAXA as a key partner. The depth of expertise and knowledge JAXA brings is incredibly valuable to us, and we are proud of everything we’ve accomplished together so far. From the Hayabusa and Hayabusa2 missions to the upcoming Martian Moons eXploration (MMX) mission, these collaborations are core to our partnership and a source of great pride.

——Thank you for participating in this interview!