I was reading an article about the UK set to land Europe’s first rover on Mars (https://news.uk.cityam.com/story/2318834/content.html), and it set me to thinking about whether a CANZUK alliance/confederation/whatever could have a significant space program of its own.

Australia’s current launch site is military. Canada’s is a not-yet-operational joint venture of 3 USA-based firms. And New Zealand’s is controlled by a firm that is now USA-centric. The 3 UK-based sites are in various stages of readiness. All sites are currently intended for satellites, as opposed to manned missions (with the possible exception of Cornwall); however, that doesn’t mean this can’t be adjusted down the line.

Launch sites across all 4 countries could work very well for a rapid implementation of constellation satellite systems, which could include anything from improved Internet services, secure GPS services, telcom/media services, defensive monitoring, etc.

If sites are expanded to support manned missions, this could provide some flexibility for return missions, station supply, etc.

Governmental Space Agencies:

• Australian Space Agency
• Canadians Space Agency
• New Zealand Space Agency
• UK Space Agency

Existing (Satellite) Launch Sites:

• Maritime Launch in Canada, a joint venture of 3 US-based firms
• Rocket Labs in New Zealand, although now HQed in the USA
• Woomera Range Complex in Australia
• Sutherland Spaceport in Sutherland, Scotland
• Saxavord Space Port in Shetland, Scotland
• Spaceport Cornwall in Cornwall, England