Australian spaceport and space mission provider, Southern Launch, has been awarded an Australian Space Agency Moon to Mars Grant for their mobile launch rail.
The almost $1 million grant will enable Southern Launch to design, construct, and commission a mobile launch rail that will be capable of launching sub-orbital vehicles ranging in mass from 20 to 3,500 kg. The mobility of the rocket launcher will allow Southern Launch to use the launch rail at both the Koonibba Test Range and the Whalers Way Orbital Launch Complex.
The mobile launch rail project will deliver on the Federal Government’s commitment to providing world-class, reliable, economical, and safe launch facilities in Australia, which will serve a wide range of Australian and international customers. The increased capability will also mean that more international launch customers will be able to consider Southern Launch as their launch site.
Southern Launch CEO Lloyd Damp highlighted the benefits of a mobile launch rail for Australian space companies. “The mobile launch rail will allow the testing of new rocket and payload technologies, which in turn will grow jobs across the Australian space industry,” said Mr Damp. “The mobile launch rail will also increase Southern Launch’s capability in driving Launch as a service from Australian shores. We thank the Australian Space Agency for their continued support in driving the Australian spaceport industry.”