Space (Launches and Returns) Act 2018

The Minister must keep a Register of Space Objects.

The Minister must enter in the Register the following particulars for a space object that is launched into Earth orbit or beyond under an Australian launch permit, overseas payload permit or authorisation certificate:

the registration number given to the space object under section 77;

the launch facility;

the date of the launch;

the space object’s basic orbital parameters, including:

the nodal period; and

its inclination; and

its apogee and perigee;

the space object’s general functions;

if a country other than Australia is also a launching State for the space object—the name of that country;

any other particulars prescribed by the rules for the purposes of this paragraph.

In keeping the Register, the Minister must have regard to the Registration Convention and any other international agreement or arrangement relating to the registration of space objects to which Australia is a party.

The Minister may vary or remove an entry on the register as needed.

The Minister must cause the Register to be made publicly available on the Department’s website.