Proposed TRA/TDA for W-Series Satellite Returns to Koonibba Test Range

Airspace controls will be activated on notified occasions for approximately 60 minutes within 12:15–16:15 UTC for each 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:

A TRA is defined from the surface (SFC) to unlimited (UNL), encompassing the hazard area for the returning satellites within Australian territory.  Aircraft will not be permitted to operate in the TRA during the activation periods. The TRA does not encompass Ceduna Airport (YCDU) however users of YCDU should note the proximity of the TRA to YCDU. The TRA does encompass portions of the YCDU Instrument Approach Procedures which may impact on IFR operations to YDCU during the TRA activation periods. Airspace users should also note the proximity of the TRA to Streaky Bay (YKBY) and Jacinth Ambrosia (YJAC) aerodromes. Airservices Australia will serve as the controlling authority for the TRA.

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 diversionary routes. For reference, diversionary advice from a previous satellite re-entry is provided below, noting that these may be revised for the W-8 and W-9 re-entries 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:

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 the attachment are conservative assumptions for consultation purposes only. Final TRA/TDA boundaries will be refined in mid-Sept 2026 and published as AvSEF Advisory Notice, alongside a timeline update for the return. Final activation timings and TRA/TDA boundaries will be published in the activity NOTAMs. Contact 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.

Airspace Management Solution

W-8 and W-9 Satellite Re-entries to the Koonibba Test Range 

Active on notified occasions between 01 November and 31 December 2026