Koonibba community

Working together to create Australia’s first rocket launch facility

The Koonibba Community Aboriginal Corporation and Southern Launch have partnered together to develop the Koonibba Test Range, Australia’s first licensed space launch facility. This world-class space launch facility hosts regular missions for companies from around the world and is the busiest commercial re-entry spaceport globally.

Located approximately 30 minutes north-west of Ceduna in South Australia, the Koonibba Test Range is Australia’s largest commercial overland test range and one of the most capable facilities of its kind in the world.

Spanning 47,000 square kilometres of secure land with up to 350 kilometres of downrange distance, the range provides a safe, flexible and highly regulated environment for space and advanced aerospace operations.

Operated by Southern Launch in partnership with the Koonibba Community Aboriginal Corporation, the Koonibba Test Range supports suborbital launches, orbital re-entries, spacecraft recovery operations and the testing of advanced aerospace technologies. Customers benefit from access to world-class range infrastructure, mission operations, tracking and telemetry systems, regulatory support and recovery services, all delivered through a single integrated provider.

Since becoming operational, the Koonibba Test Range has supported a growing range of domestic and international customers and has evolved into a multi-mission space operations asset. In addition to launch and testing activities, the range is a proven landing and recovery location for spacecraft returning from orbit, supported by dedicated logistics, recovery teams and secure handling facilities.

The success of the Koonibba Test Range is built on a strong partnership with the Koonibba Community Aboriginal Corporation and the local community. Together, Southern Launch and Koonibba Community Aboriginal Corporation are creating long-term economic opportunities, skills development and investment for the Koonibba and Ceduna regions, while ensuring all activities are undertaken responsibly and with respect for Country.

‘Working with Southern Launch in Koonibba is tremendous for our community. We benefit through employment opportunities and investment. Most importantly, our children and young people are inspired by the world of opportunities available to them when space is right on our doorstep.’

Corey McLennan, Chief Executive Officer of Koonibba Community Aboriginal Corporation

Benefits and opportunities

The Koonibba Test Range is creating lasting benefits for the Koonibba and Ceduna communities through investment, employment, tourism and skills development. Every mission delivered at the range contributes to the regional economy by supporting local businesses, accommodation providers, transport operators and service providers.

In partnership with the Koonibba Community Aboriginal Corporation, Southern Launch has established permanent operational infrastructure at the Koonibba Test Range, creating a long-term foundation for space and aerospace activities in the region.

The partnership also extends beyond launch and recovery operations. The Koonibba Community Aboriginal Corporation is developing tourism and education initiatives that celebrate the region's unique connection to the night sky. Central to this vision is the Koonibba Observatory which will provide visitors with an opportunity to experience the dark skies of the Far West Coast while learning about both contemporary space activities and the rich astronomical knowledge and traditions of First Nations people.

These initiatives are designed to create sustainable economic opportunities for the community while preserving and sharing the cultural stories, knowledge and connection to Country that have been passed down through generations.

Southern Launch is proud to be building this future alongside the Koonibba Community Aboriginal Corporation and the broader community, creating opportunities that extend well beyond the space industry and deliver lasting benefits for generations to come.