Winter wrap-up: A season of momentum for Southern Launch and Australia's growing space industry.
Looking back, Winter 2026 was a season defined by momentum. From launches and investment to school visits, partnerships and a new home in Canberra. Learn more in our 2026 winter wrap-up
Students from across Australia travel to Southern Launch HQ to launch their own rocket!
Southern Launch’s Work Experience program, now in its fifth year, is only growing in popularity. This year almost 100 year 10 students applied with nine successful applicants chosen to embark on a weeklong journey to discover what a week working in the space industry is really like.
Southern Launch expands national presence with Canberra office opening
Southern Launch, has officially opened a Canberra office, reinforcing the company’s vital role in advancing Australia’s sovereign space and national security capabilities.
Southern Launch drives sovereign defence capability with successful rocket launch for DST Group
Southern Launch and the Defence Science and Technology Group (DSTG) have successfully launched the Koonibba Rising Rocket (KRR) from the Koonibba Test Range in South Australia. Named after the Koonibba community, this is the third mission to take place at the Koonibba Test Range in 2026 and marks a major milestone in enhancing Australia’s sovereign rocket capabilities.
Southern Launch supports NASA’s Artemis II Mission with Cislunar Tracking and Data Capture
Southern Launch was selected to support the NASA Artemis II Orion mission, helping NASA to assess the broader aerospace community’s tracking capabilities to support future Moon and Mars mission through passive Doppler tracking from Australia.
Southern Launch closes $25 million funding round lead by Australia’s leading National Security Investment Firm Brindabella and Company and the National Reconstruction Fund Corporation
Southern Launch, Australia's leading space company and the force behind the nation's first commercial rocket launch and the world's first commercial spacecraft re-entry, has closed a $25 million Series A to scale its spaceport infrastructure, grow its workforce and accelerate launch, re-entry, and range services.
Southern Launch signs US company SpaceWorks for multiple orbital re-entries to the Koonibba Test Range
Southern Launch has signed a new agreement with US-based SpaceWorks Enterprises, Inc. to host multiple re-entry missions at the Koonibba Test Range in South Australia.
Southern Launch leads the world for orbital re-entries after welcoming a fourth Varda capsule back to the Koonibba Test Range
Southern Launch continues to demonstrate its position as the global leader for orbital re-entry services with the safe return of Varda Space Industries’ W-6 capsule to the Koonibba Test Range.
Indigenous artwork travels to space and returns to Earth on the land it was drawn on
Artwork painted on country by Wirangu Elder and Koonibba artist Aunty Christine Tschuna has journeyed into space aboard the Varda Space Industries W‑5 capsule before returning safely to the very land where it was created, a powerful full-circle moment connecting culture, Country, and cutting-edge space exploration.
Southern Launch supports third orbital re-entry in 12 months to Koonibba Test Range
Southern Launch has just supported another incredible orbital re‑entry at the Koonibba Test Range, with the safe return of the Varda Space Industries W‑5 capsule.
Southern Launch to Support Orbital Re-Entries of Lux Aeterna’s Reusable Satellites at the Koonibba Test Range in South Australia
Southern Launch and Lux Aeterna Space Inc. have signed a contract to conduct orbital re-entries of Lux Aeterna’s reusable satellite technology, Delphi to the Koonibba Test Range in South Australia. The partnership will support the future of in-space research and manufacturing with increased access to time on orbit allowing companies and researchers to maximise the benefits of microgravity.
Southern Launch signs contract to host space missions for leading South Korean launch service provider INNOSPACE
Leading space mission service provider Southern Launch has signed South Korean launch service provider INNOSPACE to conduct space missions from the Whalers Way Orbital Launch Complex and the Koonibba Test Range.

