Regulation of space activities in Australia

From a space perspective, as a result of the Radiocommunciations Act 1992, Australia claims jurisdiction over 'Australian space objects'. This Act describes and defines, in detail, the process when dealing with satellite applications. As a result, ACMA regulates and provides support for the communication needs of existing and for any proposed Australian satellite system and ensures that these systems comply with international agreements, including the ITU provisions. In addition, ACMA manages radiofrequency spectrum requirements associated with radioastronomy sites and of Earth stations within Australian Territory. Furthermore, under the Radiocommunications Act 1992, ACMA may establish Determinations and licences.78 For the purpose of the Act, ACMA may make a written determination that describes the status of a particular object and whether the object is or is not a space object for the purposes of the Radiocommunications Act. Under Division 4 of the Act, foreign space objects are excluded unless otherwise included through a Determination by the ACMA. In 2000, the Radiocommunciations (Foreign Space Objects)79 Determination 2000 was enacted. This Determination noted that foreign space objects are included within the scope of the Radiocommunciations Act 1992. Therefore, in order to provide a service in Australia, all satellites operators and services providers that involve foreign space objects are required to have a telecommunications apparatus licence.