German rocket manufacturer HyImpulse will conduct the maiden launch of their SR75 single-stage rocket from the Koonibba Test Range in South Australia in late April/early May 2024.
The SR75 rocket uses HyImpulse’s unique propulsion technology which combines paraffin wax and liquid oxygen to create a hybrid rocket. This launch will be the first opportunity to validate the new technology.
"HyImpulse are pioneering the development of new rocket technology and we are excited to assist with their first launch," said Lloyd Damp, Southern Launch CEO.
"We have been working in partnership with the Koonibba Community Aboriginal Corporation to develop the Koonibba Test Range and this launch will be the first from our permanent facilities."
The SR75 is a sounding rocket that will launch and land in the Koonibba Test Range enabling HyImpulse to recover their rocket and analyse the performance from onboard systems.
"We have undertaken significant testing at our engine test facility in Europe and we are confident that the launch in Koonibba will give us valuable flight heritage and it will be the first step into the sounding rocket market," said Mario Kobald, HyImpulse CEO.
The launch at Koonibba will assist HyImpulse in the development of their SL1 Orbital Launcher, which will use ten of the SR75 rocket motors to lift payloads of up to 600kg to low earth orbit and could be launched from the Whalers Way Orbital Launch Complex in the future.
The launch campaign is scheduled to begin from mid-April with both companies targeting a launch at the end of April through to early May subject to regulatory approval.