South Australian-based space launch provider, Southern Launch, is set to welcome German rocket manufacturer, HyImpulse, to launch from the Koonibba Test Range in 2024.
HyImpulse will bring their SR75 sounding rocket powered by their unique, green hybrid propulsion technology to Koonibba – one of the largest commercial overland rocket testing ranges in the world – where they will have the ability to recover the rocket and understand what happened post-launch.
CEO of Southern Launch, Lloyd Damp, said the company is proud that the Koonibba Test Range provides HyImpulse with the opportunity to test their launch vehicle and recover it from the overland range.
“HyImpulse are leaders in their field and we are incredibly excited to play a role in helping them develop their unique launch vehicle that will help our industry continue to evolve and improve,” said Mr Damp.
Southern Launch will be managing most aspects of the launch, including regulatory approvals and the import of the vehicle into Australia, allowing the manufacturer to focus on the development of the vehicle.
“Southern Launch exists to provide launch services so our industry can keep moving forward at pace,” Mr Damp added.
HyImpulse CEO, Mario Kobald, explained the company’s mission is to develop a launch vehicle that utilises their unique hybrid propulsion technology, and they are excited to have the opportunity to launch from South Australia.
“Launching our first suborbital rocket from the Koonibba Test Range is a huge milestone for our company and we are looking forward to the learnings that this launch will provide our team,” said Mr Kobald.
Co-CEO, Christian Scmierer, added: “Launching HyImpulse’s first rocket from the other side of the globe shows Southern Launch’s and HyImpulse’s capability of serving a global market in a rapid, efficient and responsive cooperation from anywhere around the world.”
The suborbital SR75 mission is set to lift off in the first quarter of 2024, subject to regulatory approval.
