Canberra, 28 October 2022 (TDI): Foreign Ministry of Australia along with the Ministry for Defence, and the Ministry for Industry and Science released a statement regarding Australia’s responsible action in space.
The statement was released on 27 October 2022 and states that Australia will advance itself as a responsible actor in Space.
Australia has joined the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, New Zealand, Japan, Germany and the Republic of Korea in committing to not conduct destructive, direct-ascent anti-satellite missile testing.https://t.co/OvLztj85PY pic.twitter.com/6fJtqUVtiO
— DFAT🇦🇺 (@dfat) October 28, 2022
Moreover, it states that the Australian Government is committing to never do destructive, direct-ascent anti-satellite missile testing. These tests undermine the peace and security of outer space.
According to the statement, these destructive tests generate a large amount of debris, which remains in space for years causing imminent threats to satellites and other space objects.
Along with that it says, Australia will join the US, UK, Canada, New Zealand, Japan, Germany, and the Republic of Korea (ROK) in making a commitment towards a safer, more stable, peaceful, and long-term sustainable space domain.
Also Read: US, Australian, and German Air Forces share airspace
Australia joining other like-minded states will reinforce responsible behavior that can prevent an arms race in outer space, the Foreign Minister of Australia said.
In addition, Australia reaffirmed its active participation in the United Nations Open Ended Working Group (OEWG) on reducing space threats through norms, rules, and principles of responsible behaviors.
Besides that, Australia stressed all nations to make the same commitment to secure and make outer space sustainable for human activities.
Minister for Foreign Affairs remarks
Australia’s Minister for Foreign Affairs, Penny Wong said that the global community should work together to build a common understanding of norms and rules on outer space activities.
She further emphasized the importance of responsible space behavior, which helps build a framework that contributes to the safety and security of outer space.
Australia is demonstrating responsible behaviour in space, committing to never conduct destructive direct-ascent anti-satellite missile testing.
We encourage all countries to make the same commitment, to help prevent a space arms race. https://t.co/e7ePy8Fl5C
— Senator Penny Wong (@SenatorWong) October 28, 2022
Minister for Defence remarks
Australia’s Minister for Defence, Richard Marles reiterated that direct-ascent anti-satellite missiles threaten the security of vital space systems, which every country is dependent upon.
He further pledged that the Government of Australia would act responsibly to protect our national interest.
Minister for Industry & Science
Minister for Industry and Science of Australia, Ed Husic also highlighted the importance of space technologies that enhance national well-being and economy.
To sum up, he said Australia’s commitment to be a responsible actor in space is a positive step to ensure space assets are protected for the benefit of people.
