At Explorate, we are proud to connect Australia’s innovators to international opportunities. Today, we’re spotlighting Southern Launch - a company that operates two spaceports in South Australia and provides end-to-end support for space missions.
Southern Launch has been a leader in the Australian space industry since conducting the first commercial space launch from Australian soil in 2020. Since then the company has gone on to achieve many more firsts, including the launch of the SR75-1 mission in May 2024.
What shines through for us however is Southern Launch's commitment to supporting the wider Australian space industry and communities close to their spaceports. Their partnership with the Koonibba Community Aboriginal Corporation is a shining example of how prioritising people and technology delivers a win-win for both the business and the community.
Meet Southern Launch
Southern Launch expands space exploration from the Southern Hemisphere with end-to-end launch and return services for space missions.
Australia's vast, flat landscapes, clear skies, and low sea and air traffic make it ideal for space launches and returns. Coupling Australia's benefits with specialised talent and comprehensive service, Southern Launch attracts leading space companies from around the world to use Australia as the location for space launches or as a landing site for returns from orbit.
Southern Launch owns and operates two commercial space facilities in Australia: The Koonibba Test Range for sub-orbital missions and returns from space and the Whalers Way Orbital Launch Complex for orbital missions to polar and sun-synchronous orbits.
Their team of leading engineers, project managers, specialists, and regulation experts work with customers to manage all aspects of space launch and return.
The largest commercial rocket ever launched in Australia
On May 3, 2024 the largest ever commercial rocket launched from Australia lifted off from the Koonibba Test Range in South Australia. The mission marked a new page in Australia’s history as a space-faring nation.
The mission was conducted by Southern Launch for German company HyImpulse who brought their 11.5 metre single stage rocket to the Koonibba Test Range.
The launch was to test HyImpulse’s unique propulsion technology which combines paraffin wax (candle wax) and liquid oxygen. This innovative hybrid rocket engine is non-explosive and offers a greener alternative to traditional rocket fuels - a potential game-changer for the space industry.
The launch was a success with a crowd of locals and VIPs who travelled to Koonibba from across Australia and Europe were on hand to witness the historic achievement on South Australia’s Far West Coast.
Watch the SR75-1 mission launch video
Looking ahead
Southern Launch has many more exciting missions planned from both the Koonibba Test Range and Whalers Way Orbital Launch Complex over the coming months.
Later this year the Koonibba Test Range will host another launch before marking another first for Australia when the first ever commercial return from space occurs for US company Varda Space Industries.
The return will see Varda Space Industries land their capsule at the Koonibba Test Range after it finishes manufacturing life-saving pharmaceuticals in space. Varda Space Industries are pioneers in developing orbital manufacturing and space re-entry systems. The natural advantages of the space environment, in particular microgravity and vacuum, enable the production of goods that cannot be manufactured on Earth.
Our link in the chain
We're in awe of this tech and are proud of our small role in connecting Southern Launch to the world with our logistics services for these historic missions.
As their logistics provider, we are deeply aligned with the values of the Southern Launch team. We share their belief in the power of people, technology, and partnerships to drive industry forward. Just as Southern Launch harnesses innovation and collaboration to reach new heights in space exploration, we leverage these same principles to deliver seamless and efficient logistics solutions.
As Southern Launch continues to reach for the stars, we’re proud to continue to support their growth journey. Their commitment to finding a better way, whether through technological advancements or community engagement, is truly inspiring.
Bringing 10+ years of experience across international marketing, business administration, and strategic brand management, Explorate's media lead has directed corporate communications within competitive industrial and tech sectors to expertly navigate reputation across the digital supply chain landscape.
Frequently Asked Questions
Explorate gives supply chain managers one real-time view across ever forwarder, lane and mode without replacing your current process, partners or systems.
