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:
Existing (Satellite) Launch Sites:
Australia
Canada
New Zealand
United Kingdom
Updated 2025 Apr 6 with more Australian Sites, and sorted by country
This seems a little far out there, but if they move ahead with it hopefully they'll lay down an internet trunk line too. Right now, the vast majority of Canada's internet traffic runs through a trunk line via the US.
I also wonder if it might be more feasible to explore developing some sort of battery-tanker that can just be pilotted across, plugged in, and the pilotted back for recharge...