New partnership locks in decade of space missions

South Australian company Southern Launch has signed a long-term deal with South Korean launch service provider INNOSPACE to conduct space missions from the Whalers Way Orbital Launch Complex and the Koonibba Test Range.

The agreement will see INNOSPACE carry out a range of missions from the South Australian launch sites, including orbital satellite launches and suborbital technology demonstrations.

The missions will start from 2026 and continue for at least the next decade, with a focus on advancing reliable space launch solutions and unlocking access to space.

Southern Launch CEO Lloyd Damp said the company was excited to welcome INNOSPACE to its launch sites.

“INNOSPACE is at the forefront of launch vehicle development, and we are proud to support their technology and mission objectives from both Whalers Way and Koonibba,” Mr Damp said.

“This partnership reflects our shared commitment to advancing space access and delivering flexible, reliable launch solutions for global customers.”

INNOSPACE has emerged as a key player in the global launch market, becoming the first private South Korean firm to successfully launch a launch vehicle – the HANBIT‑TLV in 2023.

Building on this achievement, the company is continuing to advance its technological capabilities and expand its customer base for future missions.

INNOSPACE Founder and CEO Soojong Kim said the partnership with Southern Launch represents a meaningful step in strengthening INNOSPACE’s global launch service capability.

“This expanded launch site network allows us to respond more flexibly to diverse mission needs, from satellite launches and technology demonstrations to space-manufactured product return missions, while further enhancing our commercialisation competitiveness through tailored rapid-launch services and multi-launch operational frameworks,” he said.

The partnership with INNOSPACE demonstrates Southern Launch’s capacity to deliver infrastructure that supports high cadence missions across sub-orbital and orbital launch and re-entry for the global space industry.