HyImpulse SR75 rocket on the way to Australia for maiden launch from the Koonibba Test Range

The SR75 rocket before being shipped to Australia

Leading German rocket manufacturer HyImpulse has packed up their SR75 rocket ready for its maiden launch in South Australia in late April/early May 2024.

Southern Launch is hosting HyImpulse at the Koonibba Test Range for the maiden launch of their SR75 single-stage rocket.

Southern Launch CEO Lloyd Damp says, ‘HyImpulse are pioneering the development of new rocket technology and we are excited to assist with their maiden launch. 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 rocket uses HyImpulse’s unique propulsion technology which combines paraffin wax (candle wax) and liquid oxygen to create a hybrid rocket. This launch will be the first time the SR75 lifts off from Earth to validate this groundbreaking technology.

HyImpulse CEO Mario Kobald says, ‘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. It also strengthens the confidence to continue the development of our orbital launch vehicle, the SL1.’

Koonibba Community Aboriginal Corporation Chairperson Geraldine Ware says, ‘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.’

The SR75 rocket being packed up to ship to South Australia

The innovative hybrid rocket engine and non-explosive fuel used by the SR75 rocket is a game changer for the transportation and handling of rockets. It’s also a key reason why the trip to Australia isn’t an issue for Germany based HyImpulse.

HyImpulse Co-CEO Christian Schmierer explains, ‘A key reason behind the development of this propulsion technology is so we can offer a rapid, efficient and responsive rocket that can be launched anywhere around the world. Being able to transport a rocket safely with reduced logistical complexities is a key part of our strategy.’

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 – something not possible from any other commercial ranges.  

The launch at Koonibba will also assist HyImpulse as they continue development of their SL1 Orbital Launcher. The SL1 Orbital Launcher 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.

The Koonibba Test Range is jointly operated by the Koonibba Community Aboriginal Corporation and Southern Launch.