Koonibba set to host one of the largest commercial rockets ever to launch from Australian soil

L-R: Mario Kobald CEO HyImpulse, Ulrich Fischer CTO HyImpulse, Geraldine Ware Chairperson Koonibba Community Aboriginal Corporation (KCAC), Christian Schmeirer CEO HyImpulse, Corey McClennan CEO KCAC and Lloyd Damp CEO Southern Launch.

Australia will take another step forward as a space faring nation with a 11.5-metre-tall single stage rocket set to launch from Southern Launch’s Koonibba Test Range on Thursday.

The launch is for German rocket manufacturer HyImpulse who have transported their SR75 rocket to South Australia for its maiden launch.

‘This launch will be a momentous occasion for Australia as a nation,’ says Southern Launch CEO Lloyd Damp. ‘It signifies to the world that we are capable of launching large rockets and positions our nation as a key player in a global space industry worth billions of dollars.’

The Koonibba Test Range was developed in partnership with the Koonibba Community Aboriginal Corporation and brings economic investment and job opportunities to this small indigenous community in South Australia.

Koonibba Community Aboriginal Corporation Chairperson Geraldine Ware says, ‘This is an exciting time for the Koonibba Community and the Ceduna region as a whole. This will be the first launch from our new permanent facilities and we are all excited to see our planning become a reality.’

The launch will test HyImpulse’s unique propulsion technology which combines paraffin wax (candle wax) and liquid oxygen. This innovative hybrid rocket engine is non-explosive and offers a greener alternative to traditional rocket fuels - a potential game-changer for the space industry.

The launch is set to be a spectacular sight over the South Australian outback. A dedicated viewing area will be established at the Koonibba township for members of the public wanting to view the launch.

Follow Southern Launch social media pages for the latest launch updates.