Image credit: Southern Launch
We have lift off! Southern Launch have successfully launched their SR75 rocket from Southern Launch’s Koonibba Test Range this afternoon.
The SR75 rocket stands tall as one of Australia’s most substantial commercial launches in history.
A gathering of both locals and distinguished guests, journeying from various corners of Australia and Europe, convened at Koonibba to witness this momentous feat unfold along the Far West Coast of South Australia.
“We are so excited to announce that Hympulse successfully launched their SR75 rocket from Southern Launch’s Koonibba Test Range in a milestone achievement for commercial launch capabilities in Australia,” Southern Launch CEO Lloyd Damp said.
“We are incredibly proud to have been a part of this historic mission. The Koonibba Test Range is world-class and hosting this mission has demonstrated the outstanding expertise and experience of the Southern Launch team.”
The rocket’s journey is expected to reach an altitude of 50 kilometres before returning to Earth via parachute for testing. The test will see HyImpulse’s hybrid propulsion technology in action, a combination of paraffin wax and liquid oxygen. This fuel mix revolutionises logistics and rocket handling, as it is non-explosive.
Beyond serving the global space industry, the Koonibba Test Range will provide local employment, investment, and education opportunities. These will primarily benefit members of the Koonibba community and the wider Eyre Peninsula. A new Astronomical Centre and Observatory is also to be developed on the site. It is projected to attract tourists, global space companies and more than $500,000 annually to the local community.
Space Minister Susan Close expressed her pride over these advanced facilities. “Having permanent facilities at the Koonibba Test Range helps brings together South Australian space companies and the Koonibba Community Aboriginal Corporation to develop a spaceport that we can be proud of. This marks a pivotal moment for South Australia’s space industry,” she said. She also added that this partnership will facilitate “remarkable missions” and will stand as a critical testing ground for local and global space groundbreaking achievements.
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