by Simon Mansfield
Sydney, Australia (SPX) May 03, 2024
HyImpulse has successfully launched their SR75 rocket from the Koonibba Test Range, operated by Southern Launch, marking a significant step in Australia's commercial launch capabilities.
The SR75, one of the largest rockets launched commercially in Australia, drew an audience of locals and VIPs from across Australia and Europe who witnessed the event on South Australia's Far West Coast.
Southern Launch CEO Lloyd Damp stated, "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."
This launch was the inaugural event at the newly established permanent facilities at the Koonibba Test Range, a development in partnership with the Koonibba Community Aboriginal Corporation.
Geraldine Ware, Chairperson of the Koonibba Community Aboriginal Corporation, commented, "This launch was an incredible achievement for our community and a 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."
The mission, dubbed SR75-1 'Light this Candle!', was the first launch attempt for HyImpulse's SR75 rocket, signifying a major advancement for HyImpulse as they continue to refine their hybrid rocket engines.
HyImpulse CEO Mario Kobald remarked, "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."
Christian Schmierer, Co-CEO of HyImpulse, added, "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."
The SR75 rocket launched at 2:40 pm and is set to be recovered from the Koonibba Test Range for post-flight analysis.
Related Links
HyImpulse
Southern Launch
Rocket Science News at Space-Travel.Com