HyImpulse to launch from Koonibba in 2024

German company HyImpulse Technologies plans to launch its SR75 hybrid propulsion sounding rocket from Southern Launch’s Koonibba Test Range in the first quarter of 2024, subject to regulatory approval. The sub-orbital mission will be launched from, and touch down in, the range area. Transportation of the launch hardware will commence shortly and preparations for the launch campaign are ramping up, say the two companies.

“Our mission is to develop a launch vehicle that uses our unique hybrid propulsion technology,” said HyImpulse CEO Mario Kobald. “Launching our first suborbital rocket from the Koonibba Test Range is a huge milestone for our company and we are looking forward to the learnings that this launch will provide our team.”

Co-CEO Christian Schmierer added, “Launching HyImpulse’s first rocket from the other side of the globe, shows Southern Launch’s and HyImpulse’s capability of serving a global market in a rapid, efficient and responsive cooperation from anywhere around the world.”

The assembly and integration of the SR75 rocket is completed. The final steps of mating the flight rocket motor with the oxidizer tank of the suborbital rocket as well as integrated tests of the onboard electronics have been conducted in the past few weeks. The hybrid rocket motor, the key innovation of HyImpulse’s propulsion system was successfully qualified in ground testing campaigns in June and August.

HyImpulse is in the final steps of obtaining the necessary license from the Office of the Space Regulator, Australian Space Agency, to ensure full compliance and readiness for operations in Australia. The previous acquisition of the flight license from the United Kongdom’s Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) underscores HyImpulse’s readiness.

“HyImpulse are leading the way in the development of hybrid rocket technology,” said Southern Launch CEO Lloyd Damp. “We are proud that our Koonibba Test Range provides this leading company with the opportunity to test their launch vehicle and recover it from our overland range.’”

Southern Launch is managing most aspects of the launch campaign preparation on behalf of HyImpulse including regulatory approvals and the import of the launch vehicle to Australia.

HyImpulse is a launch services provider based in Baden-Württemberg, Germany. Founded to revolutionize access to space, HyImpulse’s SR75sounding rocket and SL1 small launcher are powered by unique and proprietary hybrid propulsion systems. This disruptive technology enables HyImpulse to offer affordable, frequent, responsive, and safe access to space for small satellites and spacecrafts. SL1 has a payload capacity of 400 kg to a 500 km Sun-Synchronous Orbit (SSO).