Spaceport operator and launch technology infrastructure company, Equatorial Launch Australia (ELA) has today announced the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Singaporean rocket company Equatorial Space Systems (ESS) for a series of launches of the Dorado family of suborbital rockets at the Arnhem Space Centre, planned for late 2024.

ESS has plans for an expansive family of rockets up to and including orbital rockets and this MOU paves the way for a comprehensive Spaceport Services Agreement which could see ESS possibly become a resident launcher at the spaceport in the future, conducting orbital launches for satellite clients with their Volans rocket featuring up to 500kg payload capacity. All future launches are subject to the necessary regulatory approvals being met by both the Arnhem Space Centre and Equatorial Space Systems. The Dorado launches are planned from the end of this year and will carry science experiments and technology demonstrator payloads.

Initially ESS will leverage the spaceport’s existing infrastructure – the same launch pad used by NASA in 2022 when ELA conducted three successful suborbital launches with the US space organisation – the first successful commercial launches for Australia and the first commercial launches for NASA outside of the US.

“I’m pleased to announce the MOU with ESS today. ESS is a rapidly emerging Singaporean rocket company with impressive launch vehicle solutions, and we are looking forward to working with them on their technology demonstrator missions and to service their payload customers,” said Michael Jones, Executive Chairman and Group CEO of ELA. “Our companies have more than just our names in common, we have a common vision for pushing the boundaries of space technology and space infrastructure.”

Simon Gwozdz, CEO of Equatorial Space Systems said “ELA and ESS are bonded not just by the similarity in our companies’ names, but also by the common vision for more sustainable, democratized and flexible space access for the global space economy. Together, we are poised for a period of exponential growth as we prepare to launch our upcoming rockets from East Arnhem Land.”

“For all the reasons why the Arnhem Space Centre is growing in popularity and commercial interests globally, we are a really good fit for ESS. We have a cost-effective solution for both small and larger rockets, we have facilities for assembly, integration and test of both engines, sub-systems and the entire rocket. The other obvious advantage is our remoteness. This makes recovery and operations for sub-orbital launch and testing easier and when offset by the access to the area via a jet serviced airport and a deep-water port our customers are all seeing the key attributes that set us apart from other space ports,” said Mr Jones

The Arnhem Space Centre is rapidly emerging as both a global and Asian launch site of choice. The MOU with ESS follows the announcement in August 2023 of a multi-year, multi-launch deal with Korean rocket company Innospace for 12 orbital launches due to commence in 2025. In addition, another four Asian rocket companies have indicated their interest in launches from the site and have made visits to the ASC to inspect the spaceport.

‘I’m thrilled to see this level of interest from Asian-based launchers,’ said Mr Jones. ‘It makes sense due the flexibility of orbits and launch directions from our site plus the ease of access to the Arnhem Space Centre which simplifies logistics for our customers from this region, and of course other aspects like similar time zones and favourable weather conditions are also conducive to a seamless launch campaign.’   

“As well as Asia, we’ve had strong interest from Europe and the US too, and we are in continual discussions with launchers and their payload customers in those locations,” said Mr Jones. “Australia’s geopolitical stability, mature economy, supportive regulatory environment as well as our remoteness and access to multiple orbit options are attractive to the global space industry and our ability to relieve the launch congestion being experienced overseas also puts us in a great position to service growing demand.’

The company recently released completed Spaceport of the Future designs for its Space Launch Complexes comprised of a state-of-the-art Horizontal Integration Facility building and ‘game changer’ ASCALP launch pad designs – the latter of which utilises innovative launch pad technology allowing any NewSpace rocket to be quickly and seamlessly mated with the pivot base of an ASCALP launch pad through the use of a proprietary interface plate element. The technology will help meet rapid-response launch needs of the future. 

About ESS

Equatorial Space is a Techstars-backed, Singapore-headquartered rocket propulsion and launcher company started in 2017.

With its proprietary propulsion technologies, Equatorial Space builds game-changing, eco-friendly, low-cost and explosives-free rockets to foster the future of space exploration.

In 2020, Equatorial Space became the first company in Southeast Asia to test launch a commercially developed rocket prototype, testing it’s core technologies. It will begin orbital launch services in 2026.

To learn more, visit www.equatorialspace.com

• Release of the Horizontal Integration Facility designs completes the engineering design process for the Arnhem Space Centre’s Space Launch Complexes (SLC).
• The development of these designs follows extensive international research, analysis and customer input. ELA reviewed past launch successes and challenges and held discussions with other global spaceports and NASA to develop SLCs that exceed capability requirements for customers now and into the future.
• Each Resident Launcher taking up a long term, multi-launch residency at the Arnhem Space Centre will be allocated exclusive use of an SLC comprised of one standard HIF and up to two launch pads fitted with the recently announced ASCALP launch pads.
• Each of the seven SLCs are to be set up as restricted access areas providing launch companies secure sole access and commercial confidentiality during their residencies as well as compliance with ITAR (International Trade in Arms Restrictions), MTCR (Missile technology Control Regime) and TSA (Technology Safeguards Agreement) security requirements.

Equatorial Launch Australia (ELA) has today revealed completed designs for its Horizontal Integration Facility (HIF) buildings – state-of-the-art assembly, integration and testing facilities for each of up to seven rocket launch companies to be based at the Arnhem Space Centre (ASC). The purpose-built buildings offer a 40m (L) x 26m (W) x 12m (H) in standard configuration incorporating advanced space mission specific features providing launch vehicle companies and satellite payload manufacturers with cutting edge facilities to ensure their mission success.

The announcement comes on the back of the release of ELA’s ‘game changer’ ASCALP launch pad designs in December 2023. The delivery of the HIF designs completes the company’s designs for its ‘Space Launch Complex’ (SLC) – a designated area of the spaceport at which each resident launcher will locate for all preparatory work prior to and including lift off – and is comprised of up to two launch pads and one HIF building for each launch company.

“The public release of our completed HIF designs at the Arnhem Space Centre is another major milestone for ELA and we are incredibly excited to be able to share these designs with our current and future customers and with the wider space industry,” said Michael Jones, Executive Chairman and Group CEO, Equatorial Launch Australia. “We are confident that our facilities and services are, and will be, truly world leading, and we are very much looking forward to offering our customers a best-in-class experience from the moment they sign with ELA.”

Internal concept image for Horizontal Integration Facility at the Arnhem Space Centre featuring 8m high sliding doors and ceilings in the ISO 8 cleanroom allowing vertical payload integration.

External render image of the Horizontal Integration Facility buildings at the Arnhem Space Centre showing high clearance roll up doors and airlock entries.

External render image of the Horizontal Integration Facility buildings at the Arnhem Space Centre.

“Our approach from day one was to stand in the shoes of our clients and look at everything they need to have a successful launch campaign from the ASC. The SLC concept and the HIF design is far more detailed and complex than first meets the eye and will set the standard for launch operations. The innovative designs were born from extensive and comprehensive international research on current and past spaceport service offerings and deep discussions with customers on their current and future launch needs, while also considering the needs of regulators, commercial partners and us as the spaceport operator,” said Mr Jones. “An example of this is our high clearance ISO 8 cleanroom which has 8m high ceiling and 8m high sliding doors for vertical payload integration.”

“We wanted to guarantee we were building a Spaceport of the Future for our customers and so we invested a significant amount of time and resources analysing and planning to ensure we could be as adaptable and as supportive as our customers required, while also aiming to set the bar for best practice in spaceport service and design,” he said.

Designed for modularity and flexibility, the high-specification standard HIF is designed to meet and exceed the requirements of most launch vehicle providers to give them with the extra-mile service they require.

Key features of each HIF include:

• A large 20mx 40m rocket assembly area with static discharge points, in floor pneumatic, and electrical power for assembly, integration and testing of the launch vehicles.
• A high clearance ISO 8 cleanroom with 8m high ceiling and sliding door/ceiling for vertical payload integration. The cleanroom doubles as payload workshop and is fully fitted for multiple payload preparation and integration.
• A 20,000kg full-space overhead gantry crane with a height clearance under the hook of 9m and a second 2 tonne capacity hook for payload movement.
• An indoor and enclosed workshop space to undertake minor repair/prototyping and fabrication work.
• A multi-port wall membrane for direct access to and use of launch pad equipment like container mounted power, umbilical and other support systems.
• An administrative and personnel area that offers office space, amenities and utility/storerooms.
• Large 6m (W) x 8m (H) clearance roller doors at each end of the building accommodating rockets mounted on the ASC Rocket Trolley with strongback/rail attached. The buildings also have “air lock” dust prevention entrances at each end.
• The buildings incorporate substantive insulation and HVAC climate control for the harsh NT environment. Similarly, the building is fully cyclone rated and environmentally friendly.
• Each SLC and HIF will have advanced security measures including day/night camera, movement sensors and digital access control/recording.

ELA went to extreme lengths to understand each of our clients’ individual needs and those learnings have been incorporated into this project. ELA management also visited a wide range of key spaceports globally to view and discuss facility needs. This was all aimed at ensuring ELA provides each customer with the most appropriate and capable ‘home away from home’ for their launch operations. “It’s our aim to be the spaceport partner of choice where we can work with our customers to give them the absolute best chance of repeated successful missions,” said Mr Jones.

“Whilst functionality and cost effectiveness are critical in these designs, ELA wanted to make a statement in terms of finishes, aesthetics and functionality. “We wanted more than a ‘Colorbond box’ or a just hangar, so we ensured our architects went a little ‘edgy’ and used plenty of angles and a mix of finishes and materials. Each of the seven buildings will also be a different colour and be sympathetic to the land in orientation. We are putting a lot of effort into the landscaping and vegetation to harmonise with the NT environment,“ he said.

ABOVE: CAD render of the view from HIF mezzanine level showing ISO 8 clean room, workshop and overhead 20T gantry crane.

External render image of the Horizontal Integration Facility buildings at the Arnhem Space Centre.

ABOVE: CAD renders of the HIF internal view showing overhead gantry and office spaces.

Equatorial Launch Australia (ELA) has today released completed designs for its state-of-the-art launch pads – a world first in launch pad design allowing any NewSpace rocket to be quickly and seamlessly mated with the pivot base of the pad – enabling all seven Space Launch Complexes (SLCs) at the Arnhem Space Centre (ASC) to launch any rocket with very little notice for configuration change. The company believes this innovative design is the most advanced NewSpace small to medium rocket launch pad in the world and will help to meet rapid-responsive launch needs in the future. The design also significantly minimises damage created by rocket plumes, substantially increasing the reusability of the launch pads.

The highly technically advanced design, named the Arnhem Space Centre Advanced Launch Pad (ASCALP), will accommodate all current class NewSpace small launcher rockets up to approximately 450,000kg launch weight (up to 3000kg payload weight). The pads will provide advanced thermal and acoustic protection damage mitigation aspects, advanced environmental and safety aspects as well as detailed and comprehensive support services integration. The pads were also designed with the aim of simplifying and making rocket handling, mounting and support safer and more efficient.

Artists render of ASC Advance Launch Pad (ASCALP) design

“Every element of this ASCALP is designed to improve the safety and efficiency of launch. It is also designed to make the operation of the Arnhem Space Centre much more efficient and cost-effective. The use of a proprietary Interface Plate element seamlessly mating a rocket to the Pivot Base of the pad allows each rocket to mate and be used with the standard launch pads anywhere on the ASC site” said Michael Jones, Chairman and Group CEO, Equatorial Launch Australia. “This has multiple advantages, including having all seven Space Launch Complexes at the ASC able to launch any rocket with very little notice for configuration change.”

Leading the charge in small launch, ELA has designed the ASCALP as a fully integrated and all-inclusive pad which incorporates extensive, safety, flexibility and efficiency of support services such as gases, propellants, oxidisers, and data acquisition and transmission that are required for launch.

The key features of the ASCALP design include:

• A 90-degree, triple redundancy, hydraulically controlled Pivot Base which facilitates easy and quick rocket mount and dismount, a detailed support service layout with permanent plumbing, control manifolds, and digital control and monitoring of all gases and liquids. The pads and pivot bases at every SLC are the same and are pre-designed to accommodate either single barrel, dual booster and quad booster rockets.

“The use of a standard Pivot Base and adaptable Interface Plate allows the pad to be quickly adapted and changed for another rocket if necessary. Eventually every rocket company customer will have their own Space Launch Complex at the ASC, but this plan allows us maximum flexibility as we grow into that situation,” said Mr Jones.

• Each rocket has its own custom designed Interface Plate element which allows easy connection to the Pivot Base and doubles as the work platform. All rocket services and the umbilical connection are integrated and routed through the Pivot Base to the interface plate and on to the rocket itself. This design allows each pad to accept the wide range of rocket sizes and shapes and their attendant support equipment including strong back variations, hold down/retention device mechanisms, umbilical configurations, and other support services and devices.

• The pad also incorporates an advanced 80,000 litre Water Deluge System via either an annular or rectangular outflow manifold which is aimed at reducing the potential adverse thermal and acoustic effects on both the rocket and pad of up to 16500km/h high velocity and >4000°C rocket plume. Extensive research and testing with unique computational fluid dynamic analysis of the proprietary manifold design with various flow aperture sizes and locations optimises the spray/flow pattern effectiveness.

CFD File of early version annular water deluge system Spray Manifold showing optimised spray and flow effectiveness testing

• A multilayer/composite plume deflector is a key element of the ASCALP design. The multi-angular deflection and channelling/containment device utilises steel, heat resistant concrete and proprietary ablative coating to minimise the damage created by the plume, allowing multiple launches without refurbishment or replacement.

“The design and re-usability of the deflector and the lack of damage to the pad overall was a key aim and it all adds to the efficiency and cost-effective solution we are offering our customers,” said Mr Jones.

• The 12 metre (standard) height of the pad – from rocket base to bottom of plume deflector and plume chamber is a key element in the management and mitigation of both thermal and acoustic risks and currently unique for smaller NewSpace rocket pads.

“This 12m height and the design overall are made possible due to the positioning of the majority of pads at the ASC being as close to the edge of the escarpment upon which the spaceport is located as possible. Pushing the pads to these edges allows us to get the maximum safety spread of multiple pads as well as utilising the natural topography of the spaceport’s location, for the pad’s essential and unique technical requirements,” said Mr Jones.

• The use of a large volume Environmental Capture Pond, or colloquially named “Baby’s Bath” with filter and return pumps is incorporated on every pad and is essential to capture and filter any residue from the launch and reuse any deluge water as part of the extensive layered environmental protection plan used at the ASC.

“Due to the heat and type of propellants used by modern rockets, the residue/effluent from launches is incredibly small, and when considering the number of launches from the ASC across a year the facility’s contribution to longer-term average concentrations of air pollutants will be negligible, nevertheless, we take this very seriously. We have been collecting water, soil and air samples over an expanded local area for more than two years now and will continue this monitoring and control process into the future”, Mr Jones said.

• A Nitrogen based ‘Oxygen Purge System’ for fire control following a launch abort. This system automatically floods the area at the base of the rocket with nitrogen to purge oxygen and help reduce the risk of ‘slow rate’ fire.

• The provision of four automated and steerable fire cannons at the base of the pad area also assists in fire control and safety. The water for these cannons and the separate deluge reserves are from collected and stored rainwater.

CAD File renders of ASC Advance Launch Pad design (single barrel rocket)

CAD File renders of ASC Advance Launch Pad design (Twin Booster rocket)

“We are really proud of this pad design and in some ways, it is the centre piece of our commercial offering at the Arnhem Space Centre,” said Mr Jones. “Our in-house space technology and engineering team took my design concept and the user requirements which we have gathered over several years and have completed the design, analysis, construction, manufacturing plan and come up with a completed comprehensive design which we are really proud to release to the market. This is a game changer in the NewSpace launch market”.

Rocket Trolley

As a purpose-made, complimentary design to the advance launch pad, ELA will also soon complete and release the final design of its advanced Rocket Trolley. The Rocket Trolley is being designed to carry rockets up to 45m in length and up to 130,000kg in total mass (with strongback, base and Interface Plate connected) from the Horizontal Integration Facility (HIF) at each Space Launch Complex (SLC) of the ASC to the launch pad. Most empty rockets in the small, medium range weigh less than 20 tonnes empty, however, multi booster solid fuel rockets can weight up to 100 tonnes.

Artists render of preliminary ‘Rocket Trolley’ design at the ASC Advance Launch Pad

The Rocket Trolley allows the rocket to be easily mated horizontally with the 90-degree Pivot Base and has been design to hydraulicly adjust the lateral and vertical position for precision loading and attachment of the Interface Plate with strong back attached to the Pivot Base of the pad.

A Complete Integrated Launch Pad Solution

The ASCALP was designed from the outset to be a comprehensive launch solution which allowed integration with each customer and to provide efficiency and cost-effective solution.

Every customer at the ASC will use the ASCALP and in some cases additional elements of the clients launch system will be incorporated into the base ASCALP design.

“When we first introduced the ASCALP design to our customers we received some push-back – not every customer was at the same stage and had fully scoped their launch system. Others did, and so we had to do some work to convince them of the benefits and the need for both increased safety and also efficiency. We think we have achieved a pretty good situation now. At the end of the day, they are the customer, and the customer is always right, but our engineering systems and Launch Facility Licencing requirements dictate we have a very strong view of the integrated launch systems and a desire for commonality where practical, and this all translates to all things related to the launch process, so we have been, and still are, getting very involved with our clients launch engineering and mission plans. Our contract 100% supports this with a very detailed division and determination of responsibilities, and requirements for operating at the ASC,” said Mr Jones.

ELA is on a mission to be the pre-eminent multi-user commercial space launch company, providing world-class launch services supporting testing, launch and recovery of space vehicles and payloads flown to and from all space orbits. ELA owns and operates the Arnhem Space Centre (ASC), in East Arnhem Land, Northern Territory, Australia. The proximity of the ASC to the equator (12 degrees south) offers rocket companies and their payload customers operational freedom and simplicity for their launch and mission design.

ELA is pleased to announce the appointment of Amanda Hudswell as Head of Marketing Communications and Public Affairs.

The appointment comes as ELA moves to strengthen its position as the global pre-eminent multi-user commercial spaceport for both commercial rocket companies and defence customers alike, and as the company prepares to deliver the next stage of innovative launch technology and the redevelopment of the Arnhem Space Centre (ASC) – a nationally and internationally significant space infrastructure project – located in the Northern Territory, Australia. 

With a renewed business model and a clear vision to be the most advanced spaceport in the world, and as the company matures and expands from previous launches with NASA, it is now able to crystalise its position in the global space market.

Ms Hudswell will lead the strategic marketing, communications, public affairs and brand development, focussed on both raising awareness of the advantages and advanced technology offered by ELA, and the commercial and economic benefits of launching from the ASC. Amanda will also lead campaigns to support ELA’s growth in the international commercial space market.

Crucially, Amanda’s newly created role will also enable ELA to build collaborations and partnerships with space companies, stakeholders, state and national governments, national and international industry organisations and the media; helping to build connections for ELA with the broader space sector in Australia and globally. 

The role will also be working closely with all other senior ELA executives, and in particular the General Manager – Arnhem Space Centre, to lead the company’s engagement with stakeholders in and around the ASC’s local area with a view to establishing trusted and valued partnerships with local businesses and traditional owners.

Amanda Hudswell, Head of Marketing Communications and Public Affairs, at ELA Headquarters, Lot Fourteen, Adelaide, South Australia.

‘ELA has spent significant effort developing relationships with our customers and building partnerships with key stakeholders across the world. We acknowledge the importance of these collaborations in enabling us to deliver on our promises,’ said Michael Jones, Chairman and Group CEO of Equatorial Launch Australia.

‘Equally we understand the need for raising awareness of the advanced technology initiatives and attractive commercial offerings that will ensure our customers are both successful and grow their own profiles in international markets, and I am delighted to welcome Amanda to the team to help lead these initiatives. I’ve worked with Amanda before and know she is a world class marketing and communications expert, and we are really glad to have her as part of the growing ELA team,’ added Mr Jones.

The role will also work closely with the Business Development team to develop strategic partnerships and a seamless customer experience across the ELA customer journey – from first contact through launch and beyond. 

‘I am thrilled to be joining Equatorial Launch Australia at such an important time for the company,’ Amanda said. ‘We are on the cusp of delivering a game changer in spaceports and one that will affect the way future spaceports are thought about and developed internationally. This is significant news for Australia and for the space sector, and I am excited to be joining such a strong team on this journey.’

This appointment is the third key appointment announced in as many months, highlighting the attraction of the company to high quality talent.

Amanda brings over 20 years’ experience in marketing, communications and stakeholder management where she has worked extensively at the nexus of science, technology and marketing with a specialist background in science communication and technology adoption. A graduate of both The University of Adelaide and UniSA with qualifications in science and public relations, Amanda also brings a deep understanding of factors impacting early-stage companies and scale-ups having spent over five years working in start-up funding and support agencies, before spending almost four years working with an aerospace start-up where she led the launch of that company’s brand into the US light aircraft market with significant traction.

ELA is on a mission to be the pre-eminent multi-user commercial space launch company, providing world-class launch services supporting testing, launch and recovery of space vehicles and payloads flown to and from all space orbits. ELA owns and operates the Arnhem Space Centre, in East Arnhem Land, Northern Territory, Australia. The proximity of the ASC to the equator (12 degrees south) offers rocket companies and their payload customers operational freedom and simplicity for their launch and mission design.

Amanda joins the existing ELA executive team including CEO Michael Jones; GM – Arnhem Space Centre, Craig Gibbons; GM Operations and Launch, Ben Tett; GM

Connect with Amanda on LinkedIn

Equatorial Launch Australia (ELA), owner and operator of Australia’s leading spaceport, the Arnhem Space Centre (ASC), today announced ex-Apple executive and Royal Australian Air Force Navigator/Intelligence Officer, Travis Marshall, as its new Head of Business Development. The appointment strengthens the company’s senior commercial team as it expands its horizons towards wider commercial and Defence space opportunities.

The newly created role will be pivotal in developing customised launch contracts including launch, engine testing, payload and mission management, mission planning and consultation for Defence and international newspace commercial rocket companies looking to launch from the Arnhem Space Centre.

Group CEO and Executive Chairman of Equatorial Launch Australia, Michael Jones, welcomed Travis to the team saying, “As ELA continues its schedule of discussions with international rocket launchers, we are delighted to announce the appointment of Travis to help drive that process and to ensure we fill out our immediate launch schedule as well as preparing for the next five to ten years of launches from the spaceport.”

“Additionally, Travis will hold the remit to expand our horizons into defence where we are uniquely positioned to provide sovereign infrastructure and capabilities that contribute to Australia’s access to space,” said Mr Jones.

Having been based in Singapore as Senior Business Development Manager of Education with Apple for the past six years, Travis cited the achievements of ELA as the primary reason for his move into the sector. “With my background in technology and Defence, the space industry has long been an area that I wanted to transition into, and ELA stood out as an exciting opportunity. We are on track to deliver more commercial launch contracts by the end of the year, and I am excited to be able to assist in this key endeavour.”

The growing groundswell of interest in the Australian Space sector as well as the recent announcement of the signing of the Technology Safeguards Agreement are also collectively helping ELA to secure exceptional talent. “Hiring exceptional talent is how you build exceptional businesses,” added Mr Jones.
ELA has grown significantly since its three successful launches with NASA in 2022, and attention is now focussed on developing the Arnhem Space Centre as a multi-user commercial spaceport as well as a key piece of infrastructure in Australia’s sovereign space Defence capability.

Travis is a graduate of the Australian Defence Force Academy, the Canadian Forces Air Navigation School and the Defence Intelligence Training Centre. He conducted several operational deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan, with his final deployment serving as the Chief of Key Leadership Engagement based in Kandahar.

ELA is on track to be the pre-eminent multi-user commercial space launch company providing testing, launch and recovery of space vehicles and payloads flown to and from all space orbits. The Arnhem Space Centre, in East Arnhem Land, Northern Territory, Australia is located 12 degrees south of the equator, offering rocket companies and their payload customers multiple orbit options, operational freedom and simplicity for their launch and mission design.

Travis homebase will be at ELA’s headquarters at Lot Fourteen in Adelaide with extensive travel to the Arnhem Space Centre in East Arnhem Land, Canberra and internationally to meet with clients in their hometowns.