50 years of NASA in Australia

To celebrate 50 years of space relations between Australia and the US, both governments have agreed to continue this highly successful relationship.

Notes formalising the extension of the agreement were exchanged by Innovation Minister, Senator Kim Carr and the US Ambassador Jeffrey L. Bleich in Canberra on February 25.

"It is 50 years tomorrow since the agreement that launched our longstanding collaboration with NASA was first made," Senator Carr said.

"From the first man on the Moon to the first robot on Mars, this collaboration has given Australia a pivotal role in global space research and exploration."

"Since 1960, the agreement has resulted in over $610 million in US investment, supported hundreds of highly-skilled jobs, and given Australian scientists and technicians access to cutting-edge facilities and expertise."

"In return, Australia has provided critical support to NASA missions, backed by our own world-class capabilities in space science and astronomy. Space science is a focus of the Government's $1.1 billion Super Science Initiative."

"Recent NASA missions supported by this agreement include the landings of Mars Rovers Spirit and Opportunity, and the study of Saturn and its many moons during the Cassini-Huygens mission."

"Space science is vitally important in its own right, increasing our understanding of the universe. It also drives innovation across the economy, inspiring many everyday technologies we now take for granted, whether in medical diagnosis, data processing, industrial quality control, or digital photography."

"We look forward to the next 50 years of this great partnership."

The exchange of notes extends the Agreement on Space Vehicle Tracking and Communications Facilities for two years. A new long-term, strategic treaty will be developed during this extension to reflect changes in the space sector and further strengthen the Australia-US relationship.