HyImpulse successfully launched their SR75 rocket from Southern Launch’s Koonibba Test Range, Australia, in a milestone achievement for commercial launch capabilities in Australia. The SR75 rocket is one of the largest commercially launched rockets in Australian history.
A crowd of locals and VIPs who traveled to Koonibba from across Australia and Europe were on hand to witness the historic achievement on South Australia’s Far West Coast.
The SR75 mission lifted off from the launch pad at 2:40 p.m. The rocket was recovered from the Koonibba Test Range for post flight analysis. The launch was the first from the new permanent facilities at the Koonibba Test Range that was developed by Southern Launch in partnership with the Koonibba Community Aboriginal Corporation.
The SR75-1 ‘Light this Candle!’ mission was the inaugural launch attempt of HyImpulse’s SR75 rocket and marks an incredible step forward for HyImpulse as they continue to develop their innovative hybrid rocket engines.
Southern Launch CEO Lloyd Damp said, “We are incredibly proud to have been a part of this historic mission. The Koonibba Test Range is world-class and hosting this mission has demonstrated the outstanding expertise and experience of the Southern Launch and HyImpulse teams.”
HyImpulse CEO Mario Kobald said, “This launch at the Koonibba Test Range was incredible and we could feel the support from everyone here in Koonibba as well as our team back home in Germany.”
HyImpulse Co-CEO Christian Schmierer said, “Our team at HyImpulse has been developing our unique hybrid rocket technology for many years. This successful launch proves that our technology is viable and is a great step forward as we move toward developing our SL1 orbital launch vehicle.”
Koonibba Community Aboriginal Corporation Chairperson Geraldine Ware said, “This launch was an incredible achievement for our community and shining light for First Nations people. We had more than 30 people from the community working throughout the campaign and to come together and see it launch was amazing. We look forward to the next launch from our launch pad.“