Winter wrap-up: A season of momentum for Southern Launch and Australia's growing space industry.
Winter 2026 was one of our busiest seasons yet.
Over the last few months, we've:
strengthened partnerships across Australia and internationally,
Each milestone reflects something bigger than Southern Launch alone. Together, they represent the growing capability, confidence and ambition of Australia's commercial space sector.
Let’s take a quick look back as we wrap-up winter, 2026.
The Koonibba Rising Rocket completes a successful test launch at the Koonibba Test Range
Building sovereign capability at the
Koonibba Test Range
The season began with a major operational milestone: the successful Koonibba Rising Rocket mission, delivered in partnership with the Defence Science and Technology Group.
The mission validated the Advanced Rocket Motor Technology Demonstrator Program's K-R rocket motor and generated valuable flight data to support the development of future Australian propulsion technologies.
The vehicle performed as planned, completing a full-duration motor burn while Southern Launch-developed structures and avionics systems captured critical in-flight telemetry.
As the third mission conducted at the Koonibba Test Range in 2026, it was another demonstration of Australia's ability to design, build, test and operate advanced rocket technologies here at home.
Southern Launch CEO, Lloyd Damp during the Artemis II launch
A major vote of confidence
In late June, we announced the successful completion of a $25 million Series A capital raise, led by Brindabella & Company, including a $10 million investment from the National Reconstruction Fund Corporation.
The investment will support the continued expansion of our spaceport infrastructure, create new jobs and accelerate the growth of our launch, re-entry and range service capabilities.
More broadly, it represents a major vote of confidence in Australia's sovereign space infrastructure and the long-term future of the nation's space industry.
Australian Astronaut Katherine Bennell-Pegg visits the Koonibba Test Range
Taking space to the Eyre Peninsula
One of the highlights of June was welcoming Australia's first astronaut trained under the Australian flag, Katherine Bennell-Pegg, to the Eyre Peninsula.
Together, we visited schools, met with community leaders and joined the Find Your Place in Space public forum in Port Lincoln.
The conversations were inspiring. Students were excited about future careers, local businesses were exploring new opportunities, and communities were eager to understand the role they can play in Australia's growing space sector.
It was a reminder that world-class space capability isn't built in capital cities alone. It is built through partnerships with regional communities, local industry and the next generation of Australians.
Inspiring future space professionals
At the end of June, we welcomed nine students from across Australia to Adelaide for the 2026 Southern Launch Work Experience Program.
Nearly 100 students applied, highlighting the growing interest in careers across the space sector.
During the week, students met staff from across the business, explored engineering principles, visited industry organisations, participated in workshops and even designed and launched their own water bottle rockets.
Most importantly, they gained a better understanding of the many different skills that come together to make a successful mission possible, from engineering and operations through to communications, project management and business development.
Southern Launch work experience students working on their water bottle rocket designs.
Creative thinking at the STEM Girls Challenge
In July, Southern Launch partnered with Dr Maria Vieira and the STEM Girls Academy Creative Challenge in Whyalla.
Students were challenged to imagine how regional South Australia could become a leader in the future circular space economy. Combining creativity, sustainability and technology to develop innovative solutions.
The challenge reinforced an important truth about the future of space: solving tomorrow's problems will require not only technical expertise, but also creativity, collaboration and diverse perspectives.
Encouraging more young women to pursue STEM pathways remains critical to building the workforce Australia's future space industry will need.
Southern Launch CEO, Lloyd Damp participating in the Downstream Industry Opportunities panel at 19th Space Forum.
Strengthening national and global partnerships
July also took us to the 19th Australian Space Forum, where government agencies, defence organisations, researchers, investors and commercial space companies came together to discuss the future of the industry.
For Southern Launch, it was an opportunity to strengthen relationships, meet future customers and contribute to conversations shaping Australia's role in the global space economy.
One message came through clearly: no organisation builds a globally competitive space industry on its own. Progress happens through collaboration.
The Southern Launch Executive Team with Board Director. From left, Justin Hill CRO, Beck Darcey COO, Lloyd Damp CEO, Tori Murray CRI, Mark Ramsey CGO
Southern Launch lands in Canberra
We closed the season with another significant milestone: the official opening of our Canberra office.
Located at Brindabella Business Park, it marks Southern Launch's first permanent presence outside South Australia and an important step in our growth as a national space infrastructure provider.
The office will strengthen engagement with Federal Government agencies, Defence stakeholders, research institutions and strategic partners while supporting the continued growth of our launch, re-entry and aerospace activities across Australia.
Winter, wrapped!
Looking back, Winter 2026 was a season defined by momentum.
From launches and investment to school visits, partnerships and a new home in Canberra, every milestone was made possible by the people behind it: our team, customers, partners, investors and communities.
Thanks for being part of the journey. We're excited to see what spring brings.