The first fully Australian-designed and manufactured advanced solid rocket motor has successfully completed a flight test at the Koonibba Test Range in the state’s far west, in what has been described as a “defining moment” for South Australian space company, Southern Launch.
Known as the Koonibba Rising 3.0, the 100kg-class solid rocket motor was developed through the Advanced Rocket Motor Technology Demonstrator Program, a partnership between the Defence Science and Technology Group (DSTG) and Thales Australia. It was successfully flight tested aboard Southern Launch’s Koonibba Rising Rocket (KRR) in what was the first launch collaboration between Southern Launch and DSTG.
“Working alongside DSTG highlights the importance of collaboration between industry and government to accelerate innovation, strengthen national capability, and unlock new opportunities in the aerospace sector,” Southern Launch CEO Lloyd Damp said.
“This launch was a defining moment for Southern Launch and a major step forward for Australia’s space and national security capability.”
Koonibba Test Range, located near Ceduna, is a commercial spaceport operated by Southern Launch in partnership with the Koonibba Community Aboriginal Corporation.
Community members were employed throughout the Koonibba Rising 3.0 launch campaign, and the mission patch was designed by a student from the Koonibba Aboriginal School.
Koonibba Community Aboriginal Corporation CEO Corey McLennan said the mission highlighted the “genuine partnership” between the Koonibba community and Southern Launch.
“Every mission we deliver is grounded in that relationship. We’re proud to be creating long-term opportunities whilst supporting Australia’s space and defence capabilities,” Mr McLennan said.
This test builds on the successful static firing of the larger-scale DRACO solid rocket motor, produced by DSTG, at the Woomera Test Range in February 2026, further demonstrating South Australia’s capability to support the development and testing of sovereign defence technologies.
“South Australia continues to lead the nation in the development and testing of sovereign space and defence capabilities,” South Australian Minister for Defence and Space Industries Chris Picton said.
Post-flight analysis confirmed the Koonibba Rising 3.0 rocket motor performed as designed throughout the test, which also successfully demonstrated real-time monitoring of flight vehicle and rocket motor performance data and enabled the recovery of the flight vehicle for inspection and data validation.
The milestone test flight, conducted in June this year, also brings closer Australia’s sovereign guided weapons capability, demonstrating local industry’s ability to design, manufacture, integrate and test rocket motor technologies relevant to future tactical missile systems.
Solid rocket motors are generally used for military applications due to their simplicity, high energy density and ability to be stored for extended periods while remaining ready to launch at short notice. They are also a critical component of most missile systems, providing propulsion during flight.
Koonibba Test Range is one of the largest commercial rocket testing facilities in the Southern Hemisphere, spanning more than 41,000 square kilometres of land, with up to 350 kilometres available for testing and launch activities.
