Success in Changing Suitably Qualified Expert Requirements for Space Launch

Project Overview

The space industry is subject to stringent regulations and standards to ensure public safety. The SQE requirement traditionally mandated that space launch vehicles require the allocation of a Suitably Qualified Expert who was deemed as not a related party under the regulation, to oversee rigorous testing and certification procedures.

This meant that longstanding international space organisations like NASA were unable to appoint their internal experts to be SQEs of their own vehicles and were required to appoint an ‘expert’ who was not familiar with their space vehicle, leading to unnecessarily lengthy and costly launch cycles for space companies.

Advocacy Strategy

Recognising the need for reform, Pyne & Partners in partnership with the client prepared a Briefing Note explaining the importance and benefits of SQE reform for Australia’s space launch capacity. The firm utilised its close relationship with the Federal Minister’s office – the key decision maker – by providing the Briefing Note to make a compelling case for reform.

Pyne & Partners reiterated to the client that a change in SQE policy would require a public consultation process, as politically, it may be seen as inappropriate for the Minister to unilaterally change policy related to space launch safety.

During this period, there were changes in Ministers and a change in Government, and Pyne & Partners were able to reestablish important relationships and re-execute the messaging of the importance of removing the SQE requirement, while utilising the Briefing Note.

As part of the change of government process, the outgoing ministerial adviser advised that the Briefing Note provided to them by Pyne & Partners served as a daily reminder to ensure policy development was on track.

Key Milestones

Pyne & Partners’ advocacy efforts culminated in several key milestones that contributed to the successful policy change:

• September 2021: Pyne & Partners advocated to the Minister’s Office that the SQE requirement be amended.

• October 2021: Change in Minister, Pyne & Partners re-established a relationship with the new advisor and advocated for the SQE requirement.

• April 2022: Australian Government open the consultation process to amending the SQE requirement. Pyne & Partners assist clients in providing a submission.

• May 2022: Change in Government, Pyne & Partners re-establish a relationship with the new advisor and advocated for the SQE requirement.

• August 2023: Amendments came into effect, removing most of the ‘not a related party’ requirements for the SQE.

Outcomes

As a result of Pyne & Partners’ advocacy efforts, Federal Government policymakers recognised the need for reform and initiated a review of SQE requirements for space launch. The firm’s evidence-based arguments, persuasive communication, and collaborative approach were instrumental in shaping the policy dialogue and influencing decision-making.

Ultimately, the reforms proposed by Pyne & Partners led to amendments to the SQE. The updated SQE framework prioritises safety and efficiency and enables space companies to bring new technologies to market more quickly and cost-effectively.