The international engagements that help to set rules, establish norms and promote responsible behaviour in space are central to advancing Defence's space capabilities, according to Commander Space Command Major General Greg Novak.
He said space was an increasingly contested and congested domain.
"Some of the first rules about responsible use of space date back to the late 1960s. However, the pace of technology change and the growing number of state and commercial stakeholders operating in space means that responsible behaviours in space are now more important than ever," Major General Novak said.
"One of the key multilateral space forums we contribute to alongside our like-minded international partners and allies is the Combined Space Operations (CSpO) initiative."
This year, CSpO celebrates 10 years of improving international cooperation, coordination and interoperability aimed at assuring space access and promoting security and stability in the space domain.
Over the decade, CSpO has grown to 10 partners: Australia, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, New Zealand, Norway, United Kingdom and the United States.
Major General Novak said, in marking the anniversary, all CSpO member states remained aligned in their views on the importance of responsible space behaviours.
"In our recent CSpO Decennial statement, we reinforced the criticality of free and safe access to the space domain," he said.
The Decennial statement put forward two clear principles:
- Space is integral to shared prosperity and security.
- Space systems and services require assured access and freedom to operate in space.
CSpO members also noted risks to the security and stability of space, with all members committing to ensuring the lawful and sustainable use of space, and the prevention of conflict.
"Throughout the past 10 years, CSpO has pursued collaborative efforts to meet rapidly evolving challenges and opportunities, and to deliver resilient, agile, secure and interoperable space capabilities," Major General Novak said.
"As a committed CSpO partner, Australia looks forward to continued cooperation in the interests of a secure, stable and safe space domain."
Read the Decennial statement.
