AtSpace launch Australian-made A01 rocket at the Koonibba Test Range

Brisbane-based rocket manufacturer AtSpace, has successfully sent its Australian-made A01 rocket higher than any other Australian commercial rocket has gone before. The 12.2m tall vehicle launched from Southern Launch’s Koonibba Test Range, performed perfectly and flew close to the target altitude of 80km.

The four-and-a-half-minute flight validated AtSpace’s hybrid propulsion technology before safely returning to Earth as planned. The A01 rocket is being recovered from the Koonibba Test Range by helicopter for post-flight analysis.

“Our team at AtSpace has been developing our unique hybrid rocket technology for many years,” said Nick Chang, AtSpace Chief Operating Officer. “This successful launch proves that our technology is viable and is a great step forward as we move toward developing our orbital launch vehicles.”

The A01 mission was the inaugural launch attempt of AtSpace’s A01 rocket and marks a significant step forward as AtSpace continues to develop its innovative hybrid rocket engines here in Australia, said Southern Launch.

“We are incredibly proud to have supported AtSpace in the development and launch of their innovative Australian A01 rocket technology,” said Lloyd Damp, Southern Launch CEO. “Conducting these missions at the Koonibba Test Range has allowed AtSpace to accelerate their hybrid propulsion system development. Our world-class facility and experienced team at Southern Launch have played a key role in enabling the development of this Australian space industry leader.”

The Koonibba Test Range has been developed by Southern Launch in partnership with the Koonibba Community Aboriginal Corporation.