Proposed temporary airspace changes to support satellite re-entry

Activation of airspace controls is to occur on notified occasions from approximately 01:45 UTC (±1 hour) and remain in place for approximately 80 minutes surrounding the return. 

NOTAMs will be published 7 days in advance of the re-entry, specifying exact dates and times.  The NOTAM may notify of daily windows spanning several dates to accommodate possible backup days and would be stood down upon successful completion of the activity.   

A TRA is defined to conservatively encompass the hazard area for the returning satellite within Australian territory and extends over the Ceduna Aerodrome (YCDU). Aircraft will not be permitted to transit the TRA airspace during the enforcement period, and Ceduna airport, SA (YCDU) will be closed by NOTAM for the same duration.  Airservices Australia will serve as the controlling authority for the TRA. 

Users of the Streaky Bay aerodrome (YKBY) should note that the TRA's eastern boundary is less than 2 nautical miles (n mile) from the airport and should assess any potential impacts on their operations.  Southern launch will inform local operators of any access restrictions following further consultation with CASA and Airservices Australia about requisite separation standards. 

The TRA NOTAM will include suggested diversionary routes.  A copy of the diversionary advice for a previous satellite re-entry is provided below, noting that the advice may be revised for the W-3 re-entry:

• YPPH departures / arrivals Jet to / from east: via VIRUV PINAV KG
• for international flights to Asia and the Middle East A585 and T20 are unavailable (T21 remains available).

The TRA will be supplemented by a TDA, established to extend the TRA southward over the ocean and encompasses the hazard area for airspace beyond Australian territory, as defined by the 12 n mile territorial sea boundary. 

The TDA will be active during the same period as the TRA, and aircraft will be advised to plan around the area during that time. Airservices Australia will serve as the contact for the TDA. 

Please refer to the attachments for the coordinate boundary of the proposed TRA/TDA and supporting imagery of the hazard areas. 

Stakeholders familiar with the airspace solution employed for the W-2 re-entry on 28 February 2025 are advised that the hazard areas extend approximately 110 n mile further south and slightly eastward to conservatively encompass a broader set of possible trajectories, thereby reducing the risk of iterative updates to the TRA/TDA set before the re-entry. 

Southern launch will publish the latest information on the target return date on its website, alongside providing the most current information on the TRA/TDA hazard area boundaries, planned timings, and points of contact. 

Please contact Eamon Lawson if you wish to receive direct updates on mission timings, request a shapefile of the hazard areas, or to provide feedback on this proposal via eamon.lawson@southernlaunch.space.