Southern Launch

Our team of leading engineers, project managers, specialists, and regulation experts work with customers to manage all aspects of space launch and return.

Southern Launch is the most experienced Australian launch range provider in securing regulatory approval to conduct space missions. As of early 2024 the company has submitted 11 launch and return permits under Australian legislation. All permits assessed to date have been successfully secured.

Approvals are secured by dedicated regulatory, range operations and flight safety analysis teams at Southern Launch. Together these teams work closely with the customer, Australian Space Agency, Civil Aviation Safety Authority and more than 30 other regulatory bodies to secure approvals for space launches and returns from orbit in a timely manner.

Southern Launch offers two unique spaceports designed to support all our customer’s requirements.

The Whalers Way Orbital Launch Complex supports direct ascent trajectories from 55 to 177 degrees including polar, sun-synchronous orbits and 135 degree (equivalent to 45 degree) inclination.The complex can also accommodate hypersonic flight testing.

The Koonibba Test Range is the largest commercial rocket testing facility in the Southern Hemisphere. The overland range encompasses up to 41,000 square kilometres and extends up to 350 kilometres over uninhabited land.

The range is equipped with a 16.8 metre launch rail capable of launching rockets up to 4,200kg.

The facility can also receive the return of space technology from orbit inclinations from polar orbit to as low as 32 degrees.

The Koonibba Test Range is operated in partnership with the Koonibba Community Aboriginal Corporation and is Australia’s first licensed space launch facility.