Koonibba Test Range
The Koonibba Test Range is the largest commercial rocket testing facility in the Southern Hemisphere and specialises in suborbital launches and returns from space.
The range encompasses up to 41,000 square kilometres and extends up to 350 kilometres over uninhabited land.
The Koonibba Test Range can accommodate suborbital launches, returns from space and hypersonic vehicle testing. Good year-round weather and low-density air traffic offers greater launch or return window availability.
The range is fully instrumented with telemetry, optical and radar systems. The launch pad 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. Recovered return capsule processing is at a secure warehouse located 40km from the range.
The Koonibba Test Range offers:
up to 41,000 square kilometres (15,830 square miles) of range area
Up to 350km (217 miles) downrange
Overland payload recovery
16.8-metre-long linear launch rail
Support from the logistics hub of Ceduna
Secure warehouse storage and hangar facilities available for customers at Ceduna Airport
The Koonibba Test Range was developed by Southern Launch in collaboration with the Koonibba Community Aboriginal Corporation and was Australia’s first licensed space launch facility.
Learn more about how Southern Launch and the Koonibba Community Aboriginal Corporation collaborated to develop Australia’s first licensed space launch facility
The Koonibba Test Range is a 40 minute drive from the regional hub of Ceduna which has a range of accommodation and hospitality options.
Southern Launch operates the Koonibba Test Range in partnership with the Koonibba Community Aboriginal Corporation
