Memorandum of Cooperation (MoC) Signed with the Australian Space Agency (ASA)

The National Institute of Information and Communications Technology (NICT) has concluded a Memorandum of Cooperation (MoC) with the Australian Space Agency (ASA) via an online ceremony on March 13, 2026. The purpose of this MoC is to strengthen Japan–Australia collaboration in the field of space ICT, especially space optical communications, and to establish a structure that enables participation of third-party organizations in both countries, such as universities, research institutions, industry partners, government agencies, thereby further advancing cooperation that leverages specialized expertise. Under this MoC, NICT aims to promote collaborative research activities between NICT and universities in Australia.

ASA is an agency within the Australian Government’s Department of Industry, Science and Resources, established in 2018, and is responsible for promoting the development of Australia’s space industry. NICT has been advancing research and development in s space optical communications, including the development of high-speed advanced optical satellite communication equipment, optical satellite communication missions, and optical ground stations.

This MoC is intended to enable joint research with universities in Australia, and to promote collaborative experiments on space optical communications between NICT’s optical satellite communication systems and optical ground stations located in Australia, as well as joint research related to optical ground station technologies, and the researchers-to-researcher collaboration and personnel exchanges.
NICT expects to enhance space optical communication technologies through this activity.

• Space optical communications and technologies for both satellite and ground segments
• Hybrid RF–optical communication systems

• Transfer or exchange of scientific and technical information and development activities
• Bilateral cooperative projects and research activities
• Organization of joint seminars, symposiums, conferences, and workshops
• Visits, study tours, and exchanges of researchers and technical experts
• Other activities mutually agreed upon by both parties