Another space capsule has made a safe return to the Koonibba Test Range, near Ceduna, on South Australia’s Far West Coast.
Local company Southern Launch oversaw the launch and return of the Varda Space Industries W-6 capsule; it carried next-gen thermal protection equipment for NASA and other US government agencies.
The data of its return will help develop future reusable craft and be used in national security and research programs. It is the fourth capsule to land at Koonibba in 12 months.
SA Space Industries Minister Chris Picton says the safe mission reinforces the state’s standing as a global leader in space capsule re-entry.
“The successful return … highlights the capability we built in South Australia and the confidence international companies have in our state.”
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SPACE RETURNS PROVING A POINT
Company CEO Lloyd Damp says four safe returns of capsules in just over 12 months proves they have developed a proven, repeatable capability.
“Southern Launch built the infrastructure and the expertise to make orbital re-entry as routine as launch; the W 6 mission is further proof of that,” he says.
“Over nine years we’ve built something truly unique with the Koonibba Community Aboriginal Corporation; a sovereign capability that is servicing the global space industry while creating lasting opportunities for the Koonibba community.”
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Varda’s vice-president for hypersonic tests and targets Dave McFarland says that “every re-entry builds on the last. W-6 is another demonstration that frequent, low-cost, reliable return is easily accessible”.
“The data our partners are taking home from this mission would have taken years to collect through traditional testing methods.”
Corey McLennan is CEO of the Koonibba Community Aboriginal Corporation and says the entire community “takes immense pride” in every safe return.
“Our children are growing up watching spacecraft return from orbit right on their doorstep. “
“That is inspiring the next generation to dream bigger than ever before,” he says.
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