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Eamon
Lawson
Southern Launch
Proposed Temporary Restricted Area (TRA) and Temporary Danger Area (TDA) active for 60 minutes from 05:00 UTC (±2 hours) between 15 April and 15 June 2026 to support the W-6 satellite re-entry.
The issue
W-6 satellite re-entry to Koonibba Test Range, South Australia. The declaration of a large TRA and TDA to support safe separation during a period of approximately 60 minutes from 05:00 UTC (±2 hours) on one or more occasions between 15 April and 15 June 2026.
The TRA/TDA boundary provided is indicative only and is to be further refined in mid-March 2026. The TRA is expected to encompass Ceduna Aerodrome (YCDU) and result in a temporary closure of the airport for the duration of the Notice to Airmen (NOTAM).
Restrictions are also proximate to, but are not expected to encompass, Streaky Bay Aerodrome (YKBY) and Jacinth Ambrosia Airstrip (YJAC). Final TRA/TDA boundary to be disseminated by AvSEF Advisory Notice and included in the activity NOTAMs.
Proposal
Airspace controls are proposed to be activated on notified occasions from 05:00 UTC (±2 hours) and will remain in place for approximately 60 minutes surrounding the satellite’s return. Wherever practicable, Southern Launch will ensure that NOTAMs are published at least 5 days in advance, specifying exact dates and times of activation. Daily windows for the same time across multiple dates may be included to accommodate potential backup days and will be stood down upon successful completion of the activity.
Temporary Restricted Area (TRA)
A TRA is to be declared from the surface (SFC) to unlimited altitude (UNL), conservatively encompassing the hazard area for the returning satellite within Australian territory and extending over YCDU. Aircraft will not be permitted to transit the TRA during the enforcement period, and YCDU will be closed during this time. Airservices Australia will serve as the controlling authority for the TRA.
Users of YKBY and YJAC should note the proximity of the TRA boundary and assess potential impacts on operations. Southern Launch will notify local operators of any access restrictions following consultation with CASA and Airservices Australia regarding requisite separation standards and will coordinate with aerodrome operators to publish an AD NOTAM if required.
The TRA NOTAM will include suggested diversion routes. For reference, diversion routes from a previous satellite re-entry are provided below, noting that these may be revised for the W-6 re-entry pending final TRA/TDA coordinates:
- PERTH AD (YPPH) DEPARTURES/ARRIVALS JET TO/FROM EAST: VIA PUGUT PINAV KG
- FOR INTERNATIONAL FLIGHTS TO ASIA AND MIDDLE EAST, A585 AND T20 ARE UNAVAILABLE (T21 REMAINS AVAILABLE).
Temporary Danger Area (TDA)
The TRA will be supplemented by a TDA, established to extend from the TRA further southward over the ocean and encompass the hazard area 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 operators are advised to plan around the area during this time. Airservices Australia will serve as the contact for the TDA.
Boundary and Timing
The boundaries of the TRA/TDA provided in this consultation reflect conservative predictions only. Final TRA/TDA boundaries will be refined in mid-March 2026 and published as an AvSEF Advisory Notice, alongside a timeline update for the return. Final activation timings and TRA/TDA boundaries will be published in the activity NOTAMs.
W-6 Satellite Re-entry to the Koonibba Test Range
Active on notified occasions between 15 April and 15 June 2026, please see tables below:
Please see images below:
Please contact Southern Launch at the details below to request direct updates on mission timings, a shapefile of the hazard areas, or to provide feedback on this proposal.
Related links
https://www.southernlaunch.space/upcoming-missions