Returns from space

Southern Launch accommodates returns from space at the largest overland rocket testing facility in the Southern Hemisphere, the Koonibba Test Range.

The Koonibba Test Range can accommodate returns from space with over 41,000 square kilometres (15,830 square miles) of unpopulated area. Good year round weather and returns over unpopulated land offers great return window availability.

Southern Launch accommodates returns from space, including in-space manufacturing capsules, to the Koonibba Test Range. Southern Launch offers a full-service model managing all aspects of space returns to Earth.

Key features

  • Year-round return windows

  • All range infrastructure supplied by Southern Launch and deployable in under 48 hours

  • Licensed by the Australian Space Agency and other regulatory bodies

  • Minimal air traffic

  • Return over uninhabited land

  • 41,000 square kilometres (15,830 square miles) of range area available for use

  • Helicopter retrieval provided for customers

Population density surrounding the Koonibba Test Range

Wide view of the extended Koonibba Test Range

The Koonibba Test Range is operated in partnership with the Koonibba Community Aboriginal Corporation. Read more about how the indigenous community in Koonibba supports space activities on the Koonibba Community page.