The agreement means that Southern Launch will notify the US Space Command prior to any of its launches to ensure that the trajectory of its rocket will avoid any space objects already in orbit identified by the Space Command.
The US Space Command has one of the largest space situational awareness databases in the world, currently tracking over 47,000 space-based objects including satellites, space hardware and debris orbiting Earth.
In addition to its tracking capabilities, the US Space Command also has extensive launch collision avoidance systems. It is these systems that Southern Launch will be leveraging as part of the deal in order to keep its launches safe and collision-free.
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The agreement signed between Southern Launch and the US Space Command is only the beginning of the working relationship between the two parties.
They plan to work together in future on several deorbiting and re-entry projects, as well as end-of-life deorbit support for failing satellites and spacecraft. The intention of the projects is to reduce the amount of space debris that is orbiting Earth.
Space debris is a serious problem for launch companies and satellite operators, who have to be extremely careful to avoid the large amounts of debris orbiting Earth while operating their spacecraft and launching new satellites into orbit.
Lloyd Damp, the CEO of Southern Launch spoke about the deal and emphasised its importance for the commercial space sector in Australia.
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“Southern Launch continues to set the standard in Australia for safe, sustainable commercial space launches. Our agreement with the United States Space Command further strengthens the commitment we have to Australia being a responsible user of space,” he said.
Southern Launch recently secured further funding for its Whalers Way spaceport and launch complex located on the tip of the Eyre Peninsula.
The company is one of several companies propelling the South Australian space sector to new heights. Richard Price, chief executive of Defence South Australia and the South Australian Space Industry Centre, spoke about the deal between Southern Launch and US Space Command.
“South Australia is committed to supporting Australia’s national space strategy, with space situational awareness and debris monitoring one of seven national civil space priorities. Collisions in space pose a risk to both assets and life and this agreement is an excellent initiative to ensure launches undertaken in South Australia are done using a safe and considered approach.”
Liam McAneny
Liam McAneny is a journalist who has written and edited for his University International Relations journal. He graduated with a Bachelor of Arts (International Relations) and Bachelor of Laws from the University of Wollongong in 2021. He joined Momentum Media in 2022 and currently writes for SpaceConnect and Australian Aviation. Liam has a keen interest in geopolitics and international relations as well as astronomy.
Send Liam an email at: [email protected]
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