Proposed TRAs for Rocket Launch at Koonibba (01 April to 30 May 2024)

On this page

    Closed consultation
    SA
    Start 21/12/2023
    AEDT 09:00
    End 11/01/2024
    AEDT 17:00

    Submit feedback to

    Eamon  Lawson
    Southern Launch

    Establishment of two Temporary Restricted Areas (TRAs) to support a singular rocket launch from Koonibba, SA 5690, on a notified occasion(s) between 01 April to 30 May 2024.

    The issue

    • Sub-orbital rocket launch from the Koonibba Test Range, located in Koonibba, SA 5690, between 01 April to 30 May 2024.
    • Enforcement of two TRAs on target launch day(s) via NOTAM to ensure safe separation between aircraft and the rocket in flight.
    • Southern Launch to control the Pre-Launch TRA and Airservices Australia to control the Launch TRA. Coordination services and traffic routing to be provided by Melbourne ATC.

    Purpose

    To seek feedback on the proposed establishment of two TRAs that would support airspace safety during a singular sub-orbital rocket launch from Koonibba, SA 5690, between 01 April to 30 May 2024.

    Southern Launch proposed to launch a singular sub-orbital rocket from the Koonibba Test Range, located in Koonibba, SA 5690, between 01 April to 30 May 2024. Launch schedule updates will be published on Southern Launch's website in the lead-up to the launch period.

    Two TRAs would be enforced on target launch day(s) via NOTAM to ensure safe separation between aircraft and the rocket in flight:

    • Pre-Launch TRA: Controlled by Southern Launch, extending around the launch pad (-31.8718°, 133.4552°) once launch-related hazardous operations begin; and
    • Launch TRA: Controlled by Airservices Australia, augmenting the Pre-Launch TRA to extend across all the planned launch trajectories, approximately 120 kilometres northward, once a launch execution verdict is given at approximately T-30 minutes from launch.

    Please refer to the attachment to this proposal showing the proposed boundaries of the two TRAs. A shapefile for these areas 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 restricted areas would be supported by Melbourne Air Traffic Control.

    Submitted by

    Eamon Lawson
    Southern Launch
    eamon.lawson@southernlaunch.space

    Relevant documentation

    21 December 2023

    Related links

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