An 11.5-metre-tall German-designed single stage rocket, took off from a South Australian launchpad into a suborbital test launch on Friday afternoon.
The SR75 Hylmpulse rocket launched from the Koonibba Test Range near Ceduna on the Eyre Peninsula, at around 2.40pm, rising 50km above Earth before a parachute decent.
The suborbital Koonibba Test Range is a project between Adelaide startup Southern Launch, which has also developed the Whalers Way Orbital Launch Complex, and the Koonibba Community Aboriginal Corporation, contributing more than $500,000 annually to the local community.
It was the first launch from the new permanent facility. It also saw the use of a mid-range launch rail, developed by South Australian steel company Ferretti International and hydraulic engineers Hydroil.
Southern Launch CEO Lloyd Damp said it was a momentous occasion, with people watching the test launch around the world
“It tells the world that we can launch – and test – large rockets and positions Australia as a key player in a global space industry,” he said.
“HyImpulse are pioneering the development of new rocket technology and we are excited that we could assist with their maiden launch. ”
German manufacturer HyImpulse has developed a non-explosive, greener fuel alternative made from paraffin wax and liquid oxygen.
CEO Mario Kobald said the hybrid engine and non-explosive fuel simplifies the transportation and handling of the rocket and today’s test flight gave them the confidence to continue the development of their orbital launch vehicle, the SL1.
“A key reason behind the development of this propulsion technology is so we can offer a rapid, efficient and responsive rocket that can be launched anywhere around the world,” he said.
“Being able to transport a rocket safely with reduced logistical complexities is a key part of our strategy and we have proven it is possible with this launch from the Koonibba Test Range.”
While the SR75 is one of the largest commercial rockets fired in Australia, it’s less than half the size of the 25m Eris rocket, designed and built in Australia by Gold Coast startup Gilmour Space, which raised $55 million in a Series D earlier this year.
The Queensland rocket builder has built its own launchpad at Abbot Point, near Bowen, in the state’s north, and is ready for take off, but awaiting final sign off from federal regulators before it can launch its first test flight.
Gilmour Space will offer commercial orbital launch services, including satellite platforms and “rideshare” launches to low earth orbit with its Eris rocket, Australia’s first sovereign-designed and manufactured orbital launch vehicle.
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