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First rocket launch from Koonibba a success

May 6, 2024 12:00 pm in by
Photo: Southern Launch

German rocket manufacturer HyImpulse and local space exploration company Southern Launch are celebrating milestones.

HyImpulse’s hybrid rocket lifted off at 2:40pm on Friday, 3 May, and will later be recovered from the Test Range for post flight analysis.

The SR75-1 ‘Light this Candle!’ mission marked the first launch from Southern Launch’s permanent facilities at Koonibba Test Range, and proved HyImpulse’s hybrid rocket technology is viable.

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Southern Launch CEO Lloyd Damp says they’re proud to have been part of this mission.

“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,” Damp says.

The launch was witnessed by a group of locals and VIP guests from across Australia and Europe.

Koonibba Community Aboriginal Corporation Chairperson Geraldine Ware says the launch was a big moment for local 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,” Ware says.

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