Southern Launch drives sovereign defence capability with successful rocket launch for DST Group
Koonibba Rising Rocket (KRR) launching from the Koonibba Test Range.
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. With Minister for Defence and Space Industries, the Hon Chris Picton stating.
“South Australia continues to lead the nation in the development and testing of sovereign space and defence capabilities.
The KRR vehicle flew as designed, successfully validating the DSTG-Thales led Advanced Rocket Motor Technology Demonstrator (ARMTD) Program-delivered K-R rocket motor in flight. The mission achieved a full-duration motor burn and captured critical in-flight telemetry data, while also confirming the performance of Southern Launch’s in-house developed flight vehicle structures and avionics systems.
Southern Launch CEO, Lloyd Damp was pleased with the outcome of the launch, commenting.
“This launch is a defining moment for Southern Launch and a major step forward for Australia’s space and national security capability. Successfully delivering the KRR mission demonstrates the strength of our team, our infrastructure, and our capabilities as a launch service provider.”
As the first launch collaboration between Southern Launch and DSTG, the KRR mission provides valuable data to inform future solid rocket motor system development and demonstrates Australia’s ability to design, build, launch, and test advanced rocket systems domestically.
Minister Picton spoke to the importance of strategic partnerships between government and industry, saying.
“This successful launch demonstrates the value of collaboration between industry and government, bringing together Southern Launch and DSTG to advance critical Australian rocket technologies.”
Accelerating national capability and reinforces the role of sovereign motor production and commercial launch infrastructure in supporting Australia’s defence and security priorities. Sentiments Mr. Damp, further emphasised.
“Working alongside DSTG highlights the importance of collaboration between industry and government to accelerate innovation, strengthen national capability, and unlock new opportunities in the aerospace sector.”
KRR is the third mission delivered by Southern Launch in 2026 and reinforces the company’s position as Australia’s leading space mission provider. Southern Launch is operating a high-cadence mission model with the ability to plan, integrate and execute missions in shorter timeframes. This cadence is critical to accelerating capability development and providing Defence and commercial customers with responsive and scalable access to flight to rapidly iterate designs and validate capability in representative flight environments.
The launch was conducted from the Koonibba Test Range, a commercial spaceport operated by Southern Launch in partnership with the Koonibba Community Aboriginal Corporation. The KRR mission patch was designed by a student from the Koonibba Aboriginal School, and community members were employed throughout the mission campaign ensuring the benefits of Australia’s growing space and defence capability are shared locally and contribute to long-term community impact.
“The Koonibba Test Range is built on genuine partnership between our Koonibba community and Southern Launch. Every mission we deliver is grounded in that relationship. We’re proud to be creating long-term opportunities whilst supporting Australia’s space and defence capabilities.”
Said Corey McLennan, CEO of the Koonibba Community Aboriginal Corporation.
This mission positions the Koonibba Test Range and South Australia at the forefront of Australia’s sovereign space and defence capability. Which Mr. McLennan emphasised, saying.
“These capabilities continuously remind us how we started many years ago, how we have provided opportunities through ownership of what we do, how we broaden the horizon of education and where we want our kiddies to be, and how we create employment prosperity for years to come.”
“We are collectively ensuring that the growth of the space and defence industry sector delivers tangible benefits and safety mechanisms for all Australians, and that Koonibba is at the forefront and is included.”