A Technology Safeguards Agreement (TSA) is a bilateral treaty-level agreement between the United States and another country that is a member of the Missile Technology Control Regime (MTCR). The purpose of a TSA is to establish a legal and technical framework that enables the launch of U.S. spacecraft, rockets, and related equipment from the partner country while protecting sensitive U.S. space technologies.
Under a TSA, the U.S. allows the export of space launch vehicles, spacecraft, and technical data to the partner country. In return, the agreement puts in place safeguards to prevent unauthorized access to or transfer of the U.S. space technologies. This includes measures like:
- Restricting access to U.S. space technologies to authorized U.S. participants only
- Establishing secure, segregated areas for storing and handling U.S. space items
- Putting in place processes to screen personnel who will have access to U.S. technologies
- Ensuring transportation of space-related equipment follows agreed security procedures
The specific terms vary based on the sensitivity of the technologies involved, but the overall goal is to facilitate space launches from the partner country while ensuring compliance with U.S. export control laws and MTCR obligations.
Relevance to the Space Economy
TSAs are becoming increasingly important as the commercial space sector grows globally. They open up the possibility for U.S. space companies to conduct launches from spaceports and facilities in other countries. This is beneficial because:
- Certain locations are better suited for launching different types of missions due to their geography and position relative to the equator
- Launching from international spaceports reduces the strain on U.S. launch facilities, many of which are already operating at full capacity
- Partnering with allies allows sharing of costs, resources, and expertise to advance space capabilities
For the countries signing TSAs with the U.S., the agreements pave the way to expand their domestic space industries. Having a TSA in place makes a country a viable destination for U.S. space companies seeking launch services. This leads to increased investment, high-tech jobs, and growth of local space sectors.
As an example, the U.S.-New Zealand TSA signed in 2016 enabled the American company Rocket Lab to develop the Launch Complex 1 spaceport on New Zealand’s North Island. Since then, Rocket Lab has conducted numerous successful orbital launches from New Zealand, demonstrating the economic benefits of the TSA framework.
Current TSA Partners
As of 2024, the United States has Technology Safeguards Agreements in force with five countries:
- Canada (signed in 2024)
- Australia (signed in 2023)
- United Kingdom (signed in 2020)
- Brazil (signed in 2019)
- New Zealand (signed in 2016)
Brazil was the first South American country to sign a TSA with the United States, doing so in 2019. The agreement has been instrumental in the growth of Brazil’s space sector, with the country now hosting launch facilities for several U.S. companies. The U.S.-Brazil TSA has also fostered closer cooperation between the two nations’ space agencies, leading to joint research projects and technology sharing initiatives.
Looking Ahead
As the space economy continues its rapid growth, Technology Safeguards Agreements will play an increasingly critical role in enabling international collaboration and commercial space activities. For U.S. space companies, TSAs open up a world of possibilities in terms of launch locations and partnerships. And for the countries that are party to these agreements, the pacts provide a substantial boost to their domestic space ambitions.
While there are still challenges to work out, such as ensuring compliance with the complex MTCR and export control regulations, TSAs provide a promising framework to support the ongoing development of a vibrant and diversified space economy. Expect to see more countries pursuing these agreements with the United States in the coming years as they seek to carve out their niches in the fast-evolving space sector. Brazil’s early adoption of a TSA in 2019 has positioned it as a leader in this trend, and the subsequent agreements with Canada, the UK, New Zealand, and Australia have further underscored the growing importance of these pacts in shaping the future of the global space industry.
