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Eamon
Lawson
Southern Launch
Proposed temporary restricted area (TRA) and temporary danger areas (TDA) active for 50 minutes from 16:20 UTC (±1 hour) between 1 Nov – 31 Dec 2025 to support a satellite re-entry.
The issue
The W-4 satellite re-entry to Koonibba Test Range, SA. The declaration of a large TRA and TDA to support safe separation during a period of approximately 50 minutes from 16:20 UTC (±1 hour) on notified occasions between 1 November and 31 December 2025.
Notices to Airmen (NOTAMs) citing final timings are to be published seven days prior to the re-entry for a target return date and up to three backup days. Further airspace controls, administered by Airservices Australia, include a temporary closure of the Ceduna Aerodrome (YCDU) for the period of TRA enforcement. Restrictions are also proximate to, but do not encompass, the Streaky Bay Aerodrome (YKBY).
Proposal
Activation of airspace controls is to occur on notified occasions from approximately 16:20 UTC (±1 hour) and remain in place for approximately 50 minutes surrounding the return. NOTAMs will be published 7 days in advance of the re-entry, specifying exact dates and times. The NOTAM may notify of daily windows spanning several dates to accommodate possible backup days, and would be stood down upon successful completion of the activity.
A TRA is defined from surface (SFC) to unlimited (UNL), conservatively encompassing the hazard area for the returning satellite within Australian territory and extends over the Ceduna Aerodrome (YCDU). Aircraft will not be permitted to transit the TRA airspace during the enforcement period, and YCDU will be closed by NOTAM for the same duration. Airservices Australia will serve as the controlling authority for the TRA.
Users of the Streaky Bay aerodrome (YKBY) should note that the TRA's eastern boundary is less than 10 nautical miles from the airport and should assess any potential impacts on their operations. Southern Launch will inform local operators of any access restrictions following further consultation with CASA and Airservices Australia about requisite separation standards.
The TRA NOTAM will include suggested diversion routes. A copy of the diversionary advice for a previous satellite re-entry is provided below, noting that the advice may be revised for the W-4 re-entry:
- YPPH departures / arrivals Jet to / from east: via VIRUV PINAV KG
- For international flights to Asia and the Middle East A585 and T20 are unavailable (T21 remains available).
The TRA will be supplemented by a TDA, established to extend the TRA southward over the ocean and encompass the hazard area for airspace beyond Australian territory, as defined by the 12 nautical mile territorial sea boundary. The TDA will be active during the same period as the TRA, and aircraft will be advised to plan around the area during that time. Airservices Australia will serve as the contact for the TDA.
Please refer below for the coordinate boundary of the proposed TRA/TDA and supporting imagery of the hazard areas. Stakeholders familiar with the airspace solution employed for the W-3 re-entry on 14 May 2025 are advised that the hazard areas for this activity extend approximately 830 nautical miles further south.
Southern Launch will publish the latest information on the target return date on its website, alongside providing the most current information on the TRA/TDA hazard area boundaries, planned timings, and points of contact.
Please contact Eamon Lawson if you wish to receive direct updates on mission timings, request a shapefile of the hazard areas, or to provide feedback on this proposal via eamon.lawson@southernlaunch.space.
Related links
https://www.southernlaunch.space/