Aviation State Engagement Forum
On this page
Closed consultation
Submit feedback to
Rashmi
Mathur
USYD Rocketry Team
The University of Sydney (USYD) rocketry team is seeking to conduct a high-powered rocket launch to FL300, at Tolarno Sheep Station, New South Wales (NSW).
The issue
Rocket launching activity on the following dates:
- Tuesday 11 April
- Wednesday 12 April
- Thursday 13 April
- Friday 14 April 2023.
Temporary Restricted Area (TRA) proposed from Controlling Authority
Purpose
To seek feedback on the proposed TRA due to high-power rocket launching activity.
The Team is seeking to conduct the launch at Tolarno Station (approximately 23 nautical miles (n mile) south of Menindee, NSW) to about 30,000 feet on the following dates:
- Tuesday 11 April
- Wednesday 12 April
- Thursday 13 April
- Friday 14 April 2023.
Aviation State Engagement Forum members should check NOTAMs closer to the date to confirm whether the activity will proceed. We previously successfully launched at Tolarno Station last year after getting approval from Controlling Authorities.
The proponent is in the process of conducting a consultation regarding the activity with known airspace users, such as:
- Commercial airlines
- Private airspace users
- Any other stakeholders.
A single rocket launch to an apogee of FL300 is proposed in small launch windows between 0900 – 1600 local time from 11 to 14 April 2023. The multiple windows are due to potential preparation delays, such as adverse weather conditions.
As part of the procedures for the launch activity, contact will be made with Airservices at least 30 minutes before the rocket's launch if intended to be launched into controlled airspace. This will confirm activation of the TRA and ensure no objection to the launch timing.
Additionally, Class G Airspace will be monitored for aircraft before and during the launch activities. This will include maintaining a visual watch of the airspace, as well as monitoring Very High Frequency (VHF) radio transmissions and Automatic Dependent Surveillance–Broadcast (ADS-B) activity in the area.
To mitigate residual airspace risks posed by the activity, a TRA is proposed from surface (SFC) to FL125 within Class G airspace, and from FL125 to FL460 in the controlled airspace above (please refer to attached visuals).
- TRA - Class G
- Lateral Limits: 9 n mile radius of 32°45'32"S 142°29'6"E
- Vertical Limits: SFC to FL125
- Controlling Authority: USYD Rockery Team.
- TRA - CTA
- Lateral Limits: 9 n mile radius of 32°45'32"S 142°29'6"E
- Vertical Limits: FL125 to FL460
- Controlling Authority: Air Services Operations Management
