The two countries' space agencies have signed an MoU setting out a framework for future space cooperation between France and Australia.
Jean-Yves Le Gall, president of France's CNES space agency, and Megan Clark, Head of the Australian Space Agency (ASA), have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) setting out a framework for future space cooperation between France and Australia.
The signing ceremony, which establishes CNES as the ASA's first international partner, took place in Sydney on 1st September.
The MoU encompasses operations, applications, space science, Earth observation, remote sensing technologies, telecommunications satellites and ground stations, positioning and autonomous transport systems, stratospheric science ballooning and small satellite technologies and systems.
The first steps of cooperation are already underway, with CNES partnering UNSW Canberra Space for the development of hyperspectral remote-sensing satellite technologies. Australia is thus fast-tracking its ability to deliver world-class space technology, provide a boost to economic growth and jobs and support future joint missions.