SUB ORBITAL MISSIONS
Southern Launch operates two spaceports capable of conducting a range of sub orbital missions with launch infrastructure onsite.
From launch vehicle development testing to microgravity experimentation and hypersonic flight, Southern Launch has the spaceport to make your sub orbital mission a success.
Sub orbital missions can be conducted from the Koonibba Test Range or Whalers Way Orbital Launch Complex meaning you have the flexibility to choose the spaceport that meets your mission requirements best.
TWO SPACEPORTS TO MEET YOUR SUB ORBITAL MISSION GOALS
KOONIBBA TEST RANGE
The Koonibba Test Range is the largest commercial rocket testing facility in the Southern Hemisphere and specialises in sub orbital launches. The range encompasses up to 41,000 square kilometres and extends up to 350 kilometres over uninhabited land. This globally unique capability means launch vehicles are recovered following a sub orbital launch.
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 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
Fully instrumented range with telemetry, optical and radar systems
Support from the logistics hub of Ceduna
Secure hangar facilities available for customers at Ceduna Airport
Good year-round weather
Low air traffic
WHALERS WAY ORBITAL LAUNCH COMPLEX
Southern Launch secures all approvals, including environmental approvals, to undertake space related activities in Australia on behalf of our customers.
The Whalers Way Orbital Launch Complex is located on the tip of the Eyre Peninsula in South Australia. The complex covers over 1600Ha (almost 4000 acres) of open land with over 6km (3.72 miles) of ocean frontage and supports sub orbital flights overwater.
The Whalers Way Orbital Launch Complex offers:
Fully instrumented range with telemetry, optical and radar systems
16.8-metre-long linear launch rail
Up to 2400km downrange with land-based tracking systems
Low sea and air traffic
Good year-round weather
Favourable launch conditions at the Whalers Way Orbital Launch Complex offers greater launch window availability and launch schedule flexibility. Stable year-round weather and low maritime and air traffic ensure our customers have unhindered access to space. Sub orbital launch trajectories are southward into airspace controlled by one singular body.
