Whalers Way receives approvals for orbital launches

Southern Launch has been granted all approvals for the Whalers Way Orbital Launch Complex located on the tip of the Eyre Peninsula in South Australia, with work on permanent facilities to be ready for the first launches from the site scheduled for late 2025.

Southern Launch CEO Lloyd Damp said: “Access to space is critical for humanity with many existing launch sites operating near capacity.

“The Whalers Way Orbital Launch Complex enables rapid access to orbit thanks to our good year-round weather and low sea and air traffic.

“In addition to this, Southern Launch also secures all required approvals under Australian legislation further removing any obstacles to orbit for space companies.”

The final approvals that have been granted encompass all environmental approvals required to use the site under Australian legislation.

This means rocket companies do not need to undertake any environmental assessments to use the site and the onus is on Southern Launch to ensure launch activities meet environmental guidelines.

Under the approval the complex will have two launch pads along with associated infrastructure such as vehicle assembly buildings, clean rooms and integration facilities. Approvals have been granted initially for up to 42 launches per year.

The Whalers Way Orbital Launch Complex can accommodate direct ascent trajectories from 55 to 177 degrees including polar, sun-synchronous orbits and 135-degree (equivalent to 45-degree) inclination, according to Southern Launch.

Damp said: “We have designed the Whalers Way Orbital Launch Complex with versatility in mind.

“The complex has been developed in a location that enables different launch trajectories and azimuths so space technology companies can get to where they need to be.”

The site can also accommodate hypersonic flight testing with land-based tracking systems.

The Whalers Way Orbital Launch Complex complements the sub-orbital Koonibba Test Range which is also operated by Southern Launch.

Picture: Southern Launch/The VS02 launch attempt at the Whalers Way Orbital Launch Complex in 2022