South Australian spaceport provider Southern Launch has partnered with US-based company Lux Aeterna Space to support the re-entry of its reusable satellite technology to regional South Australia.
The agreement will see two of Lux Aeterna’s Delphi capsules return to Earth via the Koonibba Test Range, with the first mission scheduled for 2027 and a second in 2028.
Under the deal, Southern Launch will provide end-to-end range services for each re-entry, including regulatory approvals, range operations, air and maritime coordination and recovery.
CEO Lloyd Damp said the partnership further cements the company’s reputation as global leader in orbital re-entry services.
“Southern Launch is the leading range service provider for orbital re-entries globally,” Mr Damp said.
“Lux Aeterna are developing technology that is key for the future of in-space research and we are looking forward to working in partnership with them to bring their technology back to the Koonibba Test Range safely.”
Lux Aeterna is developing the world’s first reusable satellites designed to operate in Low Earth Orbit and withstand the thermal and structural demands of atmospheric re-entry. The technology is intended to support sustainable space operations and regular return missions.
Lux Aeterna’s founder and CEO Brian Taylor said the company’s mission is to make space operations routine and sustainable.
“Partnering with Southern Launch enables us to conduct missions at the cadence we require to validate key elements of our reusable satellite platform and deliver research outcomes for the broader community,” Mr Taylor said.
The partnership aims to advance in-space research and manufacturing by giving researchers and companies greater access to time in orbit and the benefits of microgravity.
In March this year, Southern Launch made history, supporting Australia’s first commercial space return of Varda Space Industries W-2 capsule at the Koonibba Test Range. The company has since signed a contract with Varda to support a further 20 spacecraft returns to the Range.
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Photo: Lux Aeterna’s reusable satellite infrastructure render
