AtSpace has achieved a major milestone for Australia’s emerging launch sector, successfully flying its Australian-made A01 rocket to near-space from the Southern Launch Koonibba Test Range on 27 November. The mission marks the highest flight achieved by an Australian commercial rocket to date, validating the company’s hybrid propulsion technology and advancing Australia’s ambitions toward sovereign launch capability.
The 12.2-metre A01 lifted off at 09:22 AM, performing to expectation throughout its four-and-a-half-minute mission and reaching close to its target altitude of 80 kilometres. The suborbital test vehicle then returned safely to Earth as planned, where it will be recovered by helicopter for detailed post-flight analysis.
AtSpace COO Nick Chang said the milestone reflects years of engineering development by the Brisbane-based company. “Our team at AtSpace 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 orbital launch vehicles.”
The A01 mission was AtSpace’s inaugural launch attempt and represents an important step toward maturing the hybrid engine architecture intended for the company’s future orbital-class launch systems.
Southern Launch CEO Lloyd Damp said the Koonibba Test Range was purpose-built to support Australian innovation in launch and propulsion. “We are incredibly proud to have supported AtSpace in the development and launch of their innovative Australian A01 rocket technology. 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 have played a key role in enabling the development of this Australian space industry leader.”
The launch also highlighted the role of the Koonibba Community Aboriginal Corporation, which co-developed the test range with Southern Launch. CEO Corey McLennan said the campaign was a significant moment for the community. “Seeing our community come together to support this mission has been truly inspiring and a proud moment for First Nations people. Over 30 community members contributed their skills and energy throughout the campaign to help this rocket take flight. Witnessing it take to the sky was unforgettable.”
The successful A01 mission strengthens AtSpace’s position within Australia’s fast-growing launch landscape, while demonstrating the capability of hybrid propulsion technologies and the value of dedicated test ranges such as Koonibba in accelerating sovereign space development.
Image: The A01 AtSpace rocket lifting off from the Koonibba Test Range. Credit: Southern Launch
