Proposal to remake the sunsetting space object determinations and space object class licence

Three instruments relating to the regulation of radiocommunications with space objects are due to sunset:

• Radiocommunications (Australian Space Objects) Determination 2014 (sunsets 1 April 2025)
• Radiocommunications (Foreign Space Objects) Determination 2014 (1 April 2025)
• Radiocommunications (Communication with Space Object) Class Licence 2015 (1 October 2025). 

We think they are working effectively and are a necessary part of the governing framework.

We want to replace them with new instruments, before their sunset dates. We propose no large changes to how they operate. We are floating minor changes to the wording and structure of the instruments to clarify their intended effect. You can find full details in the consultation paper.

We also want to include the following 3 additional owners, controllers or operators of foreign space objects in Schedule 1 of the draft Foreign Space Objects Determination:

• NSL Comm Ltd (incorporated in Israel)
• Plan-S Satellite and Space Technologies Inc. (incorporated in Türkiye)
• Rivada Space Networks GmbH (incorporated in Germany).

They want to apply for space and space receive apparatus licences to allow them to access frequencies mentioned in the draft Communication with Space Object Class Licence for communication with earth stations in Australia.

We welcome your views on the issues raised in the consultation paper. This includes whether these instruments are operating efficiently and effectively, or any other issues related to our proposal.