Australia and the US have moved forward with shared satellite commitments, announcing they will work together on a joint defence satellite communications ground station at the Australian Defence Satellite Communications Station (ADSCS), Geraldton, Western Australia.

Construction at the site is expected to begin in the third quarter of 2008.

Go deeper with GlobalData

Data Insights

The gold standard of business intelligence.

Find out more

The ground station will be built to support the US Navy’s Mobile User Objective System, a satellite-based mobile phone network designed to provide support for US, Australian and allied military users.

The structure itself will comprise of three small buildings housing the electronic infrastructure, power and spares as well as three 18m satellite dishes and two antennae.

The ground station will be entirely unmanned, requiring only occasional contractor maintenance support.

The decision to further explore and enhance joint access to satellite communications between the nations was made official by the signing of a Satellite Communications Partnership Statement of Principles at the Australia – United States Ministerial Consultations in February 2008. The agreement is designed to further cooperation in satellite communications as well as encourage greater technical collaboration in the field.

How well do you really know your competitors?

Access the most comprehensive Company Profiles on the market, powered by GlobalData. Save hours of research. Gain competitive edge.

Company Profile – free sample

Thank you!

Your download email will arrive shortly

Not ready to buy yet? Download a free sample

We are confident about the unique quality of our Company Profiles. However, we want you to make the most beneficial decision for your business, so we offer a free sample that you can download by submitting the below form

By GlobalData
Visit our Privacy Policy for more information about our services, how we may use, process and share your personal data, including information of your rights in respect of your personal data and how you can unsubscribe from future marketing communications. Our services are intended for corporate subscribers and you warrant that the email address submitted is your corporate email address.

As part of this agreement the two countries are exploring the possibility of hosting a US Army Fixed Regional Hub Node on land adjacent to the ADSCS and are discussing opportunities for the joint use of this facility.

A press statement released by the Australian Department of Defence declared that satellite communications are vital to the Australian Defence Force and the security of the country:

“The US is a world leader in the field of commercial and military satellite communications technology and therefore it was logical to form an alliance that would provide Australia with increased access to US global communications capabilities as well as technical partnering, shared infrastructure and support services for our joint projects.”

By Daniel Garrun