ELA CEO Michael Jones recently spoke at World Satellite Business Week in Paris. Below is Michael’s recap and lessons learned from a week in space!

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Earlier this month I attended what can only be described as the very best international conference for space companies and their CEOs – World Satellite Business Week, held in Paris 11-15 September 2023.

Amongst the regalia and decadence that comes with a conference like this held in Paris – the ceilings in the venue alone were worth writing home about – were key take aways that were learned across the week, not only in the presentation/panels, but also in the 1:1 discussions during networking, and serendipitous meetings on the side lines of panel sessions.

I was honoured to be part of the Access to Space for SmallSat panel on the Wednesday. A notable theme was aligned to the expected continuation of the growth in the small and medium satellite market with another 20-30,000 satellites expected in the next 8-10 years, and the general growth/increase in the size and weight of SmallSats. What was previously averaging around the 50-200kg average mark is now clearly increasing up to 400-600kgs range. This increase in SmallSat size was seen as a result of several factors: reduction in CubeSat and other smaller satellites, multi-sensor EO and proliferation of large constellations of “small comms” and internet constellations.

Overall, this could lead to an adjustment in demand for new space small launchers. The 500-1,500kg payload capacity seems to be the “trending” sweet spot. What will this mean for launchers with <500kg payload capacity? The expected launch of several new small launchers in 2024 will soon tell us, is my guess.

ELA Group CEO and Chairman Michael Jones and Founder, Chairman and CEO of Astra Chris Kemp

Other key themes were:

Launch Capacity.  Growing concerns over launch backlog and growing demand for launch. A good situation for the new launchers coming on line soon. This concern may also be a contributor to growing satellite size and capability (lower numbers and better quality satellies).

Growth in the OTV/Tug market.   As a consequence of both the increased size/weight of satellites and the growing demand for precision insertion there is a clear and growing demand for OTVs and “tugs”. The operational missions of satellite retrieval, in-space servicing, repositioning and deorbiting are all contributing to this trend.

This OTV market growth is also stimulating the demand for new smaller and highly efficient (low weight/high thrust and fuel efficient in space propulsion system) space vehicle propulsion solutions.

Spectrum management. The RF spectrum is and is becoming more congested, and therefore driving/supporting a number of developments such as: on platform processing, software determined satellites in both LEO/MEO and GEO, some shift to optical coms. This will continue to be a hot topic alongside space situational awareness.

GTO/GEO making a comeback. Despite rumblings that GTO was a thing of the past, there appears to be a reversal of that thought with different configurations/replacement and new architecture of GEO supporting and driving more GEO and GSO demand.

MEO being talked about seriously. It has always been there but GEO Latency, LEO congestion etc is resulting in a definite increase MEO discussions and interest.

Launch. From a launch perspective, a key theme coming through was concern over global congestion of launch capacity – because there is a limited number of orbital spaceports globally, and an increasing number of launchers and payload customers. A situation that is only getting worse from an access-to-space perspective.

For example, Kennedy/ Cape Canaveral had 55 launches last year (a record) and are aiming to have around 98 this year. Vandenberg is a similar story with 15 launches in 2022, and up to 48 scheduled for this year. Whilst Kourou has been abnormally quiet due to circumstances with the Ariane 5 retirement, Ariane 6 delays and Vega technical delays, Arianne Space is booked out for both Ariane 6 and Vega for the foreseeable future.

The launch supply shortage is attributed to a combination of mega constellations (Starlink, One Web and Amazon Kuiper) accounting for 4-6,000 satellites being launched, as well as an increase in institutional launch primarily in the ISR/National security areas and the replacement/establishment of space infrastructure.

This is where Australia can come in. Offering significant orbital launch capabilities, like those provided by ELA, to “new space” smaller rocket companies and their payload customers will not only help relieve that backload, but it will also provide the precision insertion and tailored services which are so in demand right now for these smaller sized rockets – which will soon account for up to half the number of launches and over 8% of the payload delivered.

Investment in Space.  Often talked about – the ‘decrease’ and quantum of Investment in space was also an eye-opening key topic of the Paris conference.

Over the past three years investment has decreased in terms of total dollars invested but the number of the deals and the quality of investable assets has increased significantly. The mega deals of 2021 skewed the data somewhat.

• 2021 – US$50Bn – year of the mega deals.
• 2022 – US$21Bn – completed deals had solid fundamentals and accepted slightly lesser return on investment
• 2023 – US$9bn has already been invested and is looking like an increase towards end of year – again definable return and path to profit defined the quality of deals.
• 2024 – expected increase to quantum of transactions expected and again a step up in quality.

2023 is being characterised by slight increase in “smaller deals of higher quality” and a trend to later stage entry with quality of revenue and clear market positioning required. Higher intertest rates and bond yields result in investors just parking money and waiting for the ‘right deal’.

Governmental budgets. This also inevitably became a topic of conversation with modest increases in the US to US$26bn. Likewise ESA’s budgets of €7.1Bn has been more targeted and aggressively deployed with:

• $1.2Bn in Navigation and positioning satellite/technology
• $1.8bn in Earth Observation
• $0.6Bn in Telecom

The reduction in Australian budget to circa. A$405m puts it in the third quartile globally and is a clear message to industry here: do it on your own and be competitive from the outset.

Understanding the international perspective and market trends is important for Australian space companies to ensure we are operating and existing as part of the global space ecosystem and to make sure we aren’t left behind. We need to predict and intercept the market and provide the services where and when they are required. We can’t expect or rely on government support.

Each time I travel, I make sure to fully debrief the team upon my return. Collectively, we take these learnings and integrate them into our approach to market, ensuring that we are offering a world class, demand-driven and relevant service to our international customers.

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Equatorial Launch Australia (ELA) the developer, owner and operator of the Arnhem Space Centre (ASC) on the Gove Peninsula in Australia’s Northern Territory, has today signed a multi-year, multi-launch contract with Korean aerospace company, INNOSPACE, for a series of orbital launches from the Australian spaceport. 

The agreement will see the launch of several INNOSPACE rocket variants each carrying between 50kg and 500kg payloads into low earth orbit from the ASC across a five-year timeframe until Dec 2028.  

ELA is widely regarded as the most advanced multi-user commercial spaceport in the world, and the signing of this contract has validated the business concept and development plans by securing INNOSPACE – the only hybrid-fuelled rocket company worldwide to have successfully launched into space – as the first commercial company to become a ‘resident launcher’ (long term tenant and regular launcher) at the Australian spaceport. The first launches by INNOSPACE from the ASC are expected to commence in early 2025. ELA previously had a three-launch contract with NASA. 

ELA has been working with the Australian Space Agency (ASA) to expand its existing Launch Facilities Licence (LFL) to support orbital launches from the ASC with a range of orbital rockets, differing azimuths and trajectories and a much wider array of propellant mixes and rocket configurations as part of its Phase 2 Development Plan. This work with the ASA will now expand to assist INNOSPACE to obtain its first Australian Launch Permit (ALP). This ALP approval process is expected to take between 6 and 14 months commencing later his year. 

As one of up to seven planned ‘resident launchers’ INNOSPACE will be allocated a Space Launch Complex (SLC), comprising two modern ASC launch pads customised to INNOSPACE’s rocket requirements and an extensive Horizontal Integration Facility (HIF) which allows for rocket assembly, payload integration (in an ISO 8 clean room) and has overhead cranes, offices, workshops and system test facilities in a temperature and humidity controlled environment. Each SLC is fully enclosed and encompasses a range of ITAR compliance measures including video and movement sensor security, extensive fencing, and access control. 

Michael Jones, Executive Chairman and Group CEO of ELA said the contract with INNOSPACE was a major milestone for ELA. “We are delighted to announce this multi-launch and long-term agreement with INNOSPACE and what we hope is the first of several launch agreements which we have been developing for some time. INNOSPACE is a truly innovative company with outstanding technology and is one of the leaders in the emerging market of smaller launch providers. INNOSPACE is one of the first of the next batch of “new space” rocket companies to launch and with increasing congestion at major spaceports globally, INNOSPACE has recognised the unique launch/geographic, infrastructure and commercial benefits of launching from the ASC.”  

“The launch contract and associated space launch complex agreement which we have been discussing for over a year provide INNOSPACE with the flexibility they require around launching a range of launch vehicles at an increasing cadence over the next five years,” he said. 

“This contract demonstrates the potential for the ASC to deliver on our goal of being the pre-eminent commercial launch site globally. With the combination of our launch pad design/technology, launch inclination options, geopolitically stable base, infrastructure, logistics and engineering support solutions we have developed, we know we offer a highly competitive and attractive spaceport solution,” said Mr Jones.  

“Last year’s three successful launches with NASA allowed us to showcase the skill and capabilities of both the ELA team and the Arnhem Space Centre to the world. We’re excited to embark on that journey again – this time with INNOSPACE. It is a very important part of our ethos and culture to be known for what we achieve and not what we predict, and this contract again shows this aspect of ELA.” 

Dr Soojong Kim, CEO of INNOSPACE said, “we are thrilled to have secured an optimal launch spaceport, the ASC, which has the benefits of launching from an equatorial spaceport and brings launch efficiencies through this multi-launch agreement with ELA. Our goal is to offer customers greater flexibility for their launch schedule and orbit access with frequent dedicated launch opportunities. We expect to enable our satellite customers to achieve significant innovation with our orbital launch services by launching from the ASC.” 

Despite the obvious benefits for space launches, the location in the NT provides some challenges, however, ELA has taken an approach of rigorously evaluating each challenge and devising and implementing comprehensive solutions to turn those challenges into positives and offer its clients a compelling case for coming down under to launch to space. The logistics of getting rockets and sensitive high value payloads to the outback is one such challenge. “We have done an enormous amount of work and partnered with the very best sea freight, logistics and air freight companies in the world to come up with delivery systems that will be the envy of spaceports globally” said General Manager Operations and Launch, Ben Tett. “The other challenge we really focus on is maximising the mission reliability and mission assurance aspect for each client. One element of this requires us to be a bit of a ‘Swiss army knife’ for each customer by designing advanced and flexible launch systems that can be adapted to the particular demands and specifications of each client.”

Discussing the mission benefits of launching from an equatorial spaceport, Mission & Orbit Specialist, Stephanie Marsh, from ELA’s Launch Operations Team said “the surface of the Earth is travelling faster at the equator than at any other point on the globe – 460m/s- due to the rotational motion of the planet. As a result, rockets launched from sites near the equator receive an additional natural boost to get into orbit, reducing the amount and cost of fuel needed, and thereby increasing payload capacity,” she said. “At a 12^o South latitude, the ASC greatly benefits from this effect of Earth’s rotation, and this advantage – achievable because of our spaceport’s location – can be leveraged by rocket companies looking to capitalise on launch efficiencies.”

Orbit options from the Arnhem Space Centre – a unique feature of the ASC’s location is the ability to efficiently access equatorial orbits (altitudes indicative only).

ELA’s Launch Operations Team is also working on other launch efficiencies for its customers. Ben adds that there are a number of services that ELA will be offering customers considering launching from the ASC, that set it apart from other launch sites around the world. In addition to a unique service offering and suite of value-added services and customised facilities which are provided to launchers and designed to make rocket companies lives easier, ELA has complete control over the operation of the ASC range and launch schedule. “The ASC is a commercially controlled range, as opposed to one that is controlled by governments,” said Ben. “This feature in itself, allows for the ability to control the launch schedule and required airspace restricted areas such that if weather conditions are looking poor for a scheduled launch date and everything is ready for launch, the launch can go ahead early,” he said. “This is what occurred for the third launch we did with NASA in mid-2022 which was unique for them because it meant that instead of risking a week of scrubs (cancelled launches) due to weather, we were able to be flexible to ensure the launch occurred ahead of plan, which almost never happens in space launch.”

Other orbit options from the ASC

Launch scheduling is not the only flexible option available to customers using ELA’s Arnhem Space Centre. The spaceport also offers a number of orbit capability options.

Low-mid inclination orbits between 20 to 40^o inclinations (or tilt of the orbit from the reference plane of the equator) are also feasible from the ASC. The extra analysis ELA conducts during the Australian Launch Permit process for each rocket ensures that these inclinations are planned and conducted safely and in accordance with risk hazard analysis regulations in the Australian Flight Safety Code.

The ASC can also provide access to polar orbits subject to risk analysis and mission objectives. Polar orbits pass over (or nearly over) the poles of the Earth, with deviations of up to 30 degrees still classed as polar orbits. Like other international space ports such as Vandenberg on the US West Coast, for southern launches from ASC a small ‘dog-leg’ manoeuvre is required to avoid Groote Eylandt but the launch then generally has a clear pathway over the very low populated areas of interior Australia.

Sun-Synchronous Orbits

Sun-Synchronous Orbits (SSOs) are a special type of polar Low Earth Orbit (LEO) sought after for the global coverage and consistent positioning that they provide in relation to the movement of the sun. To achieve and sustain an SSO, the nodal precession rate of the orbit must be equal to the Earth’s mean motion. “This requires launching to very specific inclinations,” said Stephanie. “Generally, between 97 and 98 degrees, as dependent on the altitude to which the rocket is launching.”

Launching over land – a unique opportunity in Australia

Australia presents the unique opportunity for launching over land, as its deserts form the largest arid region in the southern hemisphere with some of the lowest recorded population densities in the world. With population densities as low as one person per 100-200km², launching over land becomes a feasible alternative in Australia to launching exclusively over ocean, which is being done by the majority of other launch sites in the world. “This ability to access low, mid and high inclination orbits is of great benefit for international clients seeking primary or secondary launch locations that can provide this range of orbits, supporting them in servicing a wider range of payload clients,” said Ben.

Since the NASA launches in mid-2022, the Arnhem Space Centre has been undergoing a redevelopment to prepare for a higher launch cadence and provide more dedicated customer facilities. ‘Phase 2 is progressing well and is being rolled out since completing the NASA launches with expected completion by mid-2025,’ said Ben. ‘The inclusion of ITAR compliant, airconditioned and humidity controlled horizontal rocket and payload integration facilities with ISO 8 clean rooms; customisable launch pad mounting configurations, and enhanced mission centres utilising innovative Epsilon3 software for complex engineering, tracking and testing are all examples of lengths we are going to on our mission to be the pre-eminent multi-user commercial space launch company, offering world-class launch services.’

Artist impression of a standard launch pad located within one of the seven Space Launch Complexes at the Arnhem Space Centre.

Equatorial Launch Australia (ELA) the developer, owner and operator of the Arnhem Space Centre (ASC) on the Gove Peninsula in Australia’s Northern Territory,  having previously signed an undisclosed Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with American space transportation and rocket manufacturing company Phantom Space Corporation in Sept 2022, is now working towards a multi-launch contract as well as expanding the scope and detail of future cooperation to develop mission profile and launch requirements for multiple launches from the ASC.

The scope expansion is both in the detail and conduct of Phantom’s planned launches from Australia, but also very ‘payload customer’ oriented with investigation into expansion of potential commercial and sovereign customers in the Asia Pacific region. In particular, the two companies will collaborate and investigate the generation and support of a space mission of national significance for Australia and the Asia Pacific region.

The announcement today at the 38^th Space Symposium highlighted the intention of Phantom Space to expand its launch base options with a pure commercial and equatorial launch site through ELA. Phantom also plans to launch from both Vandenberg Space Force Base as well as Cape Canaveral Space Force Station.

ELA rose to prominence as an international multi-user commercial spaceport after successfully completing three commercial space launches with NASA over a 15-day period in mid in 2022. These launches were Australia’s first ever commercial launches as well as Australia’s first space launch in more than 25 years, as well as the first launches for NASA from a commercial spaceport.

The expanded scope of MOU will see Phantom work with ELA to execute both a multi-launch deal for commercial equatorial orbit launches from the ASC as a “resident launcher”, as well as both parties engaging with sovereign and commercial customers to develop and design orbital missions of national importance and significance. The timing of future launches will be dependent on the conclusion of a Technology Safeguards Agreement being signed between the United States and Australia which is currently being negotiated and is expected to be in place by early 2024.

ELA’s “resident launcher concept” would see Phantom occupy a customised version of ASC’s standard 1200sqm Horizontal Integration Facility (HIF) which has all the necessary infrastructure for long term residency, such as ISO8 clean rooms, over-head cranes, storage facilities, offices and workshops. Phantom would also launch from one of two ASC standard launch pads allocated to Phantom,  customised for Phantom’s unique requirements.

ELA is currently undertaking Phase 2 expansion of the Arnhem Space Centre with an additional 2200 acres being added adjacent to the existing licenced spaceport. The ASC Phase 2 expansion includes at least 14 new orbital pads (allocated two per launch complex), up to 7 HIF facilities, a fuel and gases facility including the production of Liquid Oxygen (LOX), space weather facilities and comprehensive launch, mission and range control facilities and extensive communications and tracking equipment.

The ASC is the only commercially owned and run, multi-user equatorial launch site in the world and is located 12 degrees south of the equator on the Gulf of Carpentaria, offering unique benefits for space launches. ASC is also unique as most spaceports are federal/government owned/operated facilities.

ELA and Phantom’s announcement is the first of several agreements ELA is expecting to announce in mid-2023 as it ramps up its operations following the success of the NASA missions.

Michael Jones, Executive Chairman and Group CEO of ELA said the agreement with Phantom was the next step forward for Australia’s space industry.

“We are delighted to announce this partnership with Phantom Space Corporation which has been developing for some time. We are really keen for Phantom to become a resident launcher and access our world-leading launch site at the Arnhem Space Centre to take Australia’s space industry to the next level,” said Mr Jones.

“We liked Phantom from the outset, their technology, commercial philosophy and quite frankly they have been a launch mentor for us from our first meeting. Their experience and knowledge is a clear standout in the small launcher market.

“Last year’s successful launches with NASA allowed us to showcase the skill and capabilities of both ELA and the ASC to the world. We’re excited to embark on that journey again, this time with Phantom Space Corporation.

“This announcement not only confirms ELA’s position at the forefront of global commercial space launch, it also confirms Australia as a partner for all companies looking to launch, particularly those that want the unique benefits the ASC provides.”

Mark Lester, COO of Phantom Space said, “Launch sites are akin to gates at an airport—it’s imperative to have a robust portfolio to meet customer needs.  Arnhem Space Centre fits perfectly into Phantom’s strategy as it broadens our direct access to new orbital regimes with a proven spaceport.  In addition to ASC’s unique geography, ELA’s success with NASA’s space launches and their ability to provide a full-service spaceport at low cost were key elements in selecting ASC as our next dedicated launch site. We look forward to continuing to work with the ELA team to provide assured access to space for our customers.”

Phantom’s CEO Jim Cantrell said, “Australia has been a great friend to the United States throughout the years and we at Phantom are proud to lead the way in utilizing this unique new launch complex from Australia.  We look forward to the success of this partnership in the great tradition of the history between the two countries.”

About Phantom Space Corporation

Phantom Space Corporation is a US-based space services company providing all-in capabilities for satellite manufacturing to business and government clients: satellite design and production, rocket design and construction, launch services, and constellation management. It was founded by Jim Cantrell and Michael D’Angelo, both inventors and entrepreneurs in 2019. The company aims to provide reliable and affordable access to space to a broad set of new space users.  To learn more, visit www.phantomspace.com

About ELA

ELA aspires 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 and the proximity of the ASC to the equator offers rocket companies and their payload customers operational freedom and simplicity for both their launch and mission design.

With access to the full range of orbits and inclinations from >12° to <110° (south) we provide the following value-added services supporting the mission and launch:

• Mission/Launch planning and feasibility,
• ASA Permit and regulation management,
• Full scope launch preparation and conduct including: logistics, operations management and launch/range control and management,
• Recovery of vehicles/stages,
• Full test and Range services avail for both commercial and military customers using our Arnhem Space Test and Evaluation Range (ASTER^TM),
• Payload management, and
• Fuel/gas production, acquisition, storage and preparation.

Our method of operation is to anticipate requirements and reduce client risk and associated admin/logistics burden for all operational launch scenarios.

Semi-permanent ‘Resident Launcher’ arrangements available for one to multiple serviced pads.

Due to our low cost base, equatorial launch benefits and flexible access to space, ELA provides a world class value proposition.

After the three successful launches for NASA, ELA has progressed to further developing Arnhem Space Centre and establishing its new head office in Adelaide as part of Lot Fourteen in Stone & Chalk. The company hopes this move from its previous location will help it reach new heights and continue delivering world-class space launches. ELA is proud to have been part of the revitalization project at Lot Fourteen and the growth of the space hub in Adelaide, South Australia, with the move into our new head office. The move proudly creates a national presence through this opportunity, integrating space-related services and connecting with local industry governing bodies from South Australia to Northern Territory and all over Australia. The team is excited to now be able to take action and work more hands-on in order to fulfil ELA’s mission to deliver world-class launch services that support testing, launch and recovery of vehicles and payloads for all possible space orbits. ELA looks forward to taking a leading role in designing the Australian space capability.