An 11.5-metre-tall single stage suborbital sounding rocket is set to launch from Southern Launch’s Koonibba Test Range on Thursday 2 May. The launch is for German rocket manufacturer HyImpulse who have transported their SR75 rocket to South Australia for its maiden launch.
The launch will test HyImpulse’s unique propulsion technology which combines paraffin wax (candle wax) and liquid oxygen. This innovative hybrid rocket engine is non-explosive and offers a greener alternative to traditional rocket fuels - a potential game-changer for the space industry.
"This launch will be a momentous occasion for Australia as a nation," said Southern Launch CEO Lloyd Damp. "It signifies to the world that we are capable of launching large rockets and positions our nation as a key player in a global space industry worth billions of dollars."
The Koonibba Test Range was developed in partnership with the Koonibba Community Aboriginal Corporation and brings economic investment and job opportunities to this small indigenous community in South Australia.
Koonibba Community Aboriginal Corporation Chairperson Geraldine Ware said, "This is an exciting time for the Koonibba Community and the Ceduna region as a whole. This will be the first launch from our new permanent facilities and we are all excited to see our planning become a reality."