Proposed temporary restricted area for rocket launch at Koonibba

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    Open consultation
    National SA
    6 days remaining
    Start 17/06/2025
    AEST 10:00
    End 22/07/2025
    AEST 17:00

    Submit feedback to

    Hamish  McNamara
    Southern Launch
    hamish.mcnamara@southernlaunch.space

    Establishment of a single temporary restricted area (TRA) to support a singular rocket launch from Koonibba, South Australia (SA), on a notified occasion(s) between 1 September to 31 October 2025.

    The issue

    1. Sub-orbital rocket launch from the Koonibba Test-Range, located in Koonibba, SA, between 1 September to 31 October 2025.
    2. Enforcement of a TRA on target launch day(s) via Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) to ensure safe separation between aircraft and the rocket in flight.
    3. Airservices Australia to control the launch TRA.  Coordination services and traffic routing to be provided by Melbourne Air Traffic Control (ATC).

    Purpose

    To seek feedback on the proposed establishment of a single TRA that would support airspace safety during a singular sub-orbital rocket launch.

    Proposal

    Southern Launch proposed to launch a singular sub-orbital rocket from the Koonibba test range, located in Koonibba, between 1 September to 31 October 2025.  Launch schedule updates will be published on Southern Launch's website in the lead up to the launch period.  

    A single TRA would be enforced on target launch day(s) via a NOTAM to ensure safe separation between aircraft and the rocket in flight. 

    The TRA contains all planned launch trajectories, and extends approximately 120 kilometres north of the launch site from surface (SFC) to unlimited (UNL).  Airservices Australia will act as the Controlling Authority.

    Please refer to Figure 1. of this proposal showing the proposed boundaries of the TRA.  A shapefile for the area can be made available on request.

    Southern Launch will aim to minimise the effect of airspace restrictions on other airspace users while ensuring that the launch activity is conducted safely.  Coordination of airspace users around the TRA will be supported by Melbourne ATC.

    Table 1.  Proposed lateral limits of TRA
    Figure 1.   Proposed boundaries of the  TRA

    Submitted by

    Hamish McNamara
    Southern Launch
    hamish.mcnamara@southernlaunch.space

    Related links

    https://www.southernlaunch.space/upcoming-missions