HyImpulse launches hybrid rocket from western SA

German company HyImpulse has launched their SR75 rocket from Southern Launch’s Koonibba Test Range in a launch which could lead to regular launches from the space port.

The SR75 rocket is one of the largest commercial rockets to be launched in this country.

A crowd of locals and VIPs who travelled to Koonibba from across Australia and Europe were on hand to witness the launch at the site on South Australia’s Far West Coast.

Southern Launch CEO Lloyd Damp said: “The Koonibba Test Range is world-class and hosting this mission has demonstrated the outstanding expertise and experience of the Southern Launch and HyImpulse teams.”

HyImpulse’s SR75-1 ‘Light this Candle!’ mission was designed to test the company’s innovative hybrid rocket motor.

The 11.5 metre rocket successfully completed its suborbital test launch today, reaching an altitude of 50 kilometres before parachuting back to Earth where it was recovered for detailed post flight analysis.

The launch was the first from the new permanent facilities at the Koonibba Test Range which was developed by Southern Launch in partnership with the Koonibba Community Aboriginal Corporation.

Koonibba Community Aboriginal Corporation Chairperson Geraldine Ware said: “This launch was an incredible achievement for our community and shining light for First Nations people.

“We had more than 30 people from the community working throughout the campaign and to come together and see it launch was amazing. We look forward to the next launch from our launch pad.”

In addition to the Koonibba Test Range, Southern Launch also operates the Whalers Way Orbital Launch Complex at the tip of the Eyre Peninsula in South Australia.

Picture: Southern Launch