Australia and the United Kingdom (UK) space agencies have strengthened their ties further by signing the worlds first “Space Bridge” arrangement to increase connection, exchange, and investment. Minister for Industry, Science, and Technology Karen Andrews said the arrangement the two countries signed in Canberra and London on Feb. 23 will connect Australian and UK expertise in the space industry and showcase the strength of Australia’s space sector. “Australia’s space industry is innovative, globally competitive and growing at a rapid pace,” Andrews said in a media release. “In addition to Australia’s strong manufacturing capabilities, our space priorities range from communications to Earth observation, as well as robotics and automation—all of which can offer support to the UK’s space ambitions.” Both countries will also align their approaches to the space industry and adopt a whole government approach to space science and research, trade, and security. The Space Bridge Framework Arrangement is the next …