Proposed TRA due to rocket launch activity in the vicinity of Nhulunbuy (late June - mid July 2022)

To seek members feedback on two proposed TRAs and with safe coordination of other airspace ahead of rocket launch activity, with 3 programmed rocket launches, each about one week apart, in late June – mid July 2022.

The issue

• The Arnhem Space Centre site is in Australia’s Northern Territory, outside of the East Arnhem Township of Nhulunbuy, approximately 12 degrees South of the Equator on the land of the Yolngu people.  Equatorial Launch Australia will be facilitating 3 rocket launches from the Arnhem Space Centre in late June – mid July 2022.  
• The rocket launches will be sub-orbital missions by NASA.  The final stage of each rocket will ascend to 275 kilometres before being drawn back to earth by gravity.  The payload will parachute to earth approximately 30 minutes after launch.
• The purpose of this application is to safely support these launches, taking all necessary safety precautions, to separate this activity from any incompatible aviation activity that might otherwise be taking place in the overlying airspace.  Equatorial Launch Australia proposes using two Temporary Restricted Areas; one around the launch site and the other around the down-range recovery area. 

 

Relevant documentation