Southern Launch is set to host South Korean rocket manufacturer UNASTELLA Corporation at the Koonibba Test Range in South Australia.
Marked through the signing of an agreement in Seoul last week, UNASTELLA aim to conduct at least four launches annually with the first scheduled for late 2025.
The announcement underpins growing interest in the Koonibba Test Range following the successful launch of German manufacturer HyImpulse’s revolutionary SR75 rocket in May 2024.
Covering an expansive area of 41,000 square kilometres, the Koonibba Test Range stands as the Southern Hemisphere’s largest commercial facility for testing rockets, focusing on suborbital launches and spacecraft returns.
Southern Launch CEO Lloyd Damp described UNASTELLA as “an ambitious company with a bright future” and confirmed that Southern Launch will be assisting UNASTELLA in gaining regulatory approval.
“Developing a rocket is a long and complex process. We aim to make it easier for rocket companies to get to space by taking the launch and regulatory approvals off their to-do list. We will have everything ready for UNASTELLA when it’s time to launch – they’ll just need to bring the rocket.”
UNASTELLA is currently developing a small-lift rocket using proven South Korean technologies and will be taking an iterative approach to developing its orbit-capable rocket. The missions aim to provide valuable flight heritage and a site for regular satellite launches.
The inaugural rocket launch with Southern Launch will advance the development of UNASTELLA technology by verifying the design and engine performance.
UNASTELLA Founder and CEO Jaehong Park commended the partnership with Southern Launch, adding that it would help boost the company’s space trajectory.
“The ability to conduct regular launches out over the Southern Ocean as we develop our vehicles is incredibly valuable as we can iterate our technology safely. This partnership will provide us with an instrumented range as well as the regulatory approvals and logistics, meaning we can continue to concentrate on the development of the vehicle.”
The positive spin-offs for the local community cannot be underestimated with Mr Damp adding that regular launches would stand to generate millions of dollars, enriching both the Eyre Peninsula and broader South Australian economy.
“It is incredibly exciting to welcome another international customer to South Australia to discover our vibrant state,” he said.
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Photo (L-R): Southern Launch CEO, Lloyd Damp with UNASTELLA CEO, Jaehong Park after signing the Launch Facility Agreement in Seoul
