Whalers Way Orbital Launch Complex

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Whalers Way Orbital Launch Complex
LocationSleaford, South Australia, Australia
Coordinates34°55′S 135°39′E / 34.91°S 135.65°E / -34.91; 135.65Coordinates: 34°55′S 135°39′E / 34.91°S 135.65°E / -34.91; 135.65
Short nameWhalers Way
OperatorSouthern Launch
Launch history

Whalers Way Orbital Launch Complex is a rocket-launching facility proposed by Southern Launch to be constructed at Whalers Way in the locality of Sleaford near Port Lincoln on South Australia's Eyre Peninsula. It was publicly announced in December 2018, with Southern Launch leading the project.[1] The project was declared a major development by the state of South Australia on 22 August 2019,[2] and was officially approved by the Australian Space Agency on 14 July 2021.[3] The facility is intended to be used to launch commercial satellites.[4]

Southern Launch established its headquarters in Adelaide in 2018, before the city was announced as home for the Australian Space Agency.[5] Its offices are located in Pirie Street, Adelaide.[6]

Perigee Aerospace became the first customer[7] with a planned launch of its rocket "Blue Whale 1" in July 2020.[8] However, as of August 2020, the site had not yet been used for a launch.[9]

As of March 2021, Southern Launch plans to build two launch pads for orbital launches to polar and sun-synchronous orbits.[10] Pad 1, currently under construction, is expected to host up to three test launches by the end of 2021.[3]

Concerns have been raised by environmentalists from the Nature Conservation Society of SA and traditional owners the Nauo people, as threatened species such as the southern emu wren and white-bellied whipbird inhabit the area, which could be affected by the noise, and there are places of cultural significance to the Nauo people. Environmental impact assessments are being undertaken, and the project would be modified and mitigation strategies undertaken should problems be found. Southern Launch has also committed to protecting nature and managing tourism activities to ensure that the environment will be preserved.[11]

See also[]

References[]

  1. ^ Plouffe, Jim (4 December 2018). "Australia's first commercial orbital launch facility to be built in South Australia". The Lead South Australia. Retrieved 17 March 2021.
  2. ^ "Whalers Way Orbital Launch Complex". Department of Planning, Transport and Infrastructure. 5 November 2019. Retrieved 23 January 2020.
    "Whalers Way Orbital Launch Complex (43)" (PDF). South Australian Government Gazette. Government of South Australia. 25 August 2019. p. 3132. Retrieved 23 January 2020 – via SA.gov.au.
  3. ^ Jump up to: a b "Whalers Way to Reach the Stars". Southern Launch. 14 July 2021. Retrieved 15 July 2021.
  4. ^ "Rocket Launcher to be built on Eyre Peninsula - Regional Development Australia Whyalla & Eyre Peninsula". Regional Development Australia Whyalla & Eyre Peninsula. 3 December 2018. Retrieved 4 December 2018.
  5. ^ "Koonibba world's first indigenous community to host biggest private rocket range launch, on far west Eyre Peninsula". AdelaideAZ. Retrieved 26 August 2020.
  6. ^ "Contact Us". Southern Launch. Retrieved 26 August 2020.
  7. ^ "Southern Launch signs first client for orbital launch facility". South Australian Space Industry Centre. Government of South Australia. 30 September 2019. Retrieved 17 March 2021.
  8. ^ Henry, Caleb (23 October 2019). "Backed by Samsung, South Korean startup Perigee aims for 2020 maiden launch". SpaceNews. Retrieved 17 March 2021.
  9. ^ Spence, Andrew (25 August 2020). "Date set for SA rocket launch as NewSpace prepares for lift-off". InDaily. Retrieved 6 October 2020.
  10. ^ "SA rocket launchpads move a stage closer". InDaily. 11 March 2021. Retrieved 17 March 2021.
  11. ^ Leckie, Evelyn (28 May 2021). "Rocket launching proposals worry traditional owners, environmentalists, but company committed to holistic care of the land". ABC News. Australian Broadcasting Corporation. Retrieved 30 May 2021.


This article about a building or structure in South Australia is a stub. You can help Wikipedia by .

  • v
  • t
Stub icon

This rocketry article is a stub. You can help Wikipedia by .

  • v
  • t
Retrieved from ""