Proposed temporary restricted area to support a rocket launch near Koonibba

Southern Launch is seeking feedback on the potential impacts of a proposed TRA to be enforced on one or more occasions between 4 May and 31 May 2025. 

The TRA is required to ensure the safe separation between aircraft and the KRR to be launched to an altitude of approximately 40 kilometres from the Koonibba Test Range, SA 5690.

The TRA is defined to conservatively encompass the hazard area for the launching rocket, while minimising the impact to air-routes as far as possible. Airservices Australia will serve as controlling authority for the TRA and aircraft will not be permitted to transit the TRA airspace during periods of enforcement promulgated by NOTAM.

TRA enforcement windows will be confirmed approximately 2 days prior to the launch and will be kept to a safe minimum.  It is expected that the launch will be targeted for the early morning, supported by a TRA period of up to 3 hours from 22:30 Coordinated Universal Time (UTC). 

The TRA will stand up at least 30 minutes prior to the launch attempt. If wind or other operational factors lead to delay on the day, the launch may be re-attempted one or more times during the NOTAM window.

The NOTAM may advise of a second TRA activation window for an afternoon slot, which would serve as a backup window should the launch not occur during the morning window.  All NOTAMs will be stood down as soon as possible after the safe conclusion of the activity or if the launch is scrubbed for the day.

Please refer to the attachments for the coordinate boundary of the proposed TRA and supporting imagery. Southern Launch will notify the public of the target return date on its website, alongside providing the most current information on the planned airspace management solution.

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Please contact Eamon Lawson eamon.lawson@southernlaunch.space should you require a keyhole markup language file of the TRA boundary, wish to receive direct updates on mission timings, or to provide feedback on this proposal.