South Australian space innovator Southern Launch will sign a milestone agreement, securing the company’s first client for its proposed satellite launch facility at Whaler’s Way near Port Lincoln.
South Korean company, Perigee Aerospace will sign a Launch Facilities Agreement with Southern Launch to use the site to launch its small launch vehicles from the second half of next year.
The agreement will be formally signed today during the South Australian Space Forum being held at the Adelaide Convention Centre.
Premier Steven Marshall welcomed the news, saying the agreement with Perigee Aerospace is a great milestone for the project and shows the facility will be a key pillar of the state’s space sector, already attracting international investment.
“The Southern Launch project recently received major development status, reflecting its significance to our space sector,” said Premier Steven Marshall.
“From this facility, rocket manufacturers will be able to launch satellites into orbit using cutting edge technology, further reinforcing South Australia’s contribution to the nation’s space sector.
“Operating on the Eyre Peninsula also ensures South Australia’s regions have a role to play in the growth of this exciting high-tech industry.”
Perigee Aerospace is a leading orbital launch vehicle manufacturer, currently developing the Blue Whale 1 micro launch vehicle which carry small satellites into sun-synchronous orbit.
Under the Launch Facilities Agreement with Southern Launch, Perigee Aerospace has expressed its intent to use the Whaler’s Way complex from the second half of 2020 to support its vehicle test launch program and the operational use of its Blue Whale 1 vehicle.
Southern Launch founder and CEO Lloyd Damp said he will be delighted to sign an agreement with Perigee for the South Korean company to use the planned Eyre Peninsula rocket launch facility.
“Perigee’s a great company and the possibilities for us working together on launches from South Australia are exciting,” Mr Damp said.
“This agreement’s a good example of what Southern Launch can bring to the development of the space industry in this state and we look forward to working with them and the State Government. The industry has a bright future here.”
