Equatorial Launch Australia Partners with Equatorial Space Systems for Rocket Launches in 2024

Written by Copernical Team Tuesday, 20 February 2024 11:47

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Sydney, Australia (SPX) Feb 16, 2024

In a significant development for the global aerospace industry, Equatorial Launch Australia (ELA), a leading spaceport operator and infrastructure provider, has announced a strategic partnership with Singapore-based Equatorial Space Systems (ESS). This collaboration is set to bring a series of suborbital launches to the Arnhem Space Centre in late 2024, marking a pivotal moment for both entities

Equatorial Launch Australia Partners with Equatorial Space Systems for Rocket Launches in 2024
by Simon Mansfield
Sydney, Australia (SPX) Feb 16, 2024

In a significant development for the global aerospace industry, Equatorial Launch Australia (ELA), a leading spaceport operator and infrastructure provider, has announced a strategic partnership with Singapore-based Equatorial Space Systems (ESS). This collaboration is set to bring a series of suborbital launches to the Arnhem Space Centre in late 2024, marking a pivotal moment for both entities in their quest to advance space technology and infrastructure.

The Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between ELA and ESS centers on the deployment of ESS's Dorado family of rockets, with an eye towards future orbital launches using the Volans rocket, capable of carrying payloads up to 500 kg. This partnership not only highlights the technological ambitions of ESS but also underscores the Arnhem Space Centre's growing reputation as a premier launch site within Asia and beyond.

Michael Jones, Executive Chairman and Group CEO of ELA, expressed enthusiasm for the collaboration, noting the shared vision and commitment to pushing the boundaries of space technology between ELA and ESS. "ESS is a rapidly emerging Singaporean rocket company with impressive launch vehicle solutions, and we are looking forward to working with them on their technology demonstrator missions and to service their payload customers," Jones stated. This sentiment was echoed by Simon Gwozdz, CEO of Equatorial Space Systems, who emphasized the common goals of democratizing and enhancing the flexibility of global space access.

The Arnhem Space Centre, celebrated for its flexibility, ease of access, and favorable conditions, has attracted significant attention from the global space launch community. Its remote location, coupled with state-of-the-art facilities for assembly, integration, and testing, presents an attractive proposition for both sub-orbital and orbital launches. Moreover, the spaceport's recent multi-year, multi-launch agreement with Korean rocket company Innospace, along with expressed interest from other Asian rocket companies, highlights its strategic importance in the global space industry.

Jones highlighted the space centre's appeal, citing its cost-effective solutions, operational ease due to remoteness, and logistical advantages stemming from nearby transportation infrastructure. The centre's ability to support a wide range of rocket sizes, coupled with its innovative Space Launch Complex designs, including the ASCALP launch pad technology, positions it as a game-changer in meeting the rapid-response launch needs of the future.