Frequently Asked Questions

For more information on the new resident launcher at the Arnhem Space Centre, please contact ELA via our contact page.
What is the announcement?
Equatorial Launch Australia has signed a multi-year, multi-launch contract with Korean aerospace company, INNOSPACE, for a series of orbital launches from the Arnhem Space Centre on the Gove Peninsula in Australia’s Northern Territory.
Who is INNOSPACE?
INNOSPACE www.innospc.com

INNOSPACE has who has already successfully launched a hybrid fuel rocket into space, the first hybrid-fuelled rocket that has actually reached space.

How many launches will there be?
The deal with INNOSPACE is for up to 12 launches from the Arnhem Space Centre.
How much does a launch cost?
The current cost of launches at the ASC ranges between $0.8M to $1.5M per launch depending on the size of the rocket, types of fuel and services.
What rockets will be used?
The INNOSPACE contract provides for three different rocket variants:

  • Hanbit Nano rocket is a hybrid-fuelled rocket that uses a paraffin solid fuel and a liquid oxygen oxidiser as its propulsion mechanisms. The payload capacity of the Hanbit Nano is between 50-60kg to 500kms into space.
  • Hanbit Micro is a variant made for increased payload up to 150kgs.
  • Hanbit Mini is larger and has a number of boosters and will have a payload of up to 500kg and will travel into low earth orbit in space.
What launch inclinations will INNOSPACE use?
INNOSPACE will be able to launch on any of the key azimuths available from the ASC including equatorial, mid-inclination 20-40o S, polar (SSO or sun-synchronous orbit 98o S) and 110o constant track retrograde orbit.
Where will INNOSPACE be located when at the ASC?
As a resident launcher, INNOSPACE will access a dedicated and customised launch pad at the ASC as well as taking possession of a Horizontal Integration Launch (HIF) facility.
What fuel types?
The HANBIT rockets are hybrid-fuelled using paraffin solid fuel and a liquid oxygen oxidiser as their propulsion mechanisms.
When is the first mission?
The first launch is planned at the end of the first quarter of 2025.
Will INNOSPACE bring a team to the NT?
The contract includes the establishment of a workforce at INNOSPACE’s dedicated space launch complex at the Arnhem Space Centre in the Northern Territory.
What does this contract mean for ELA?
The contract is a very exciting announcement for ELA and validates our business plan and the  method of operations we have embarked upon. It also proves to our customers the concept that we are offering.

The announcement signals the first resident launcher for ELA and is expected to pave the way for a further 5-6 multi-launch contracts signed with global launch vehicle companies by the end of 2023. These contracts are expected to book ELA out for the next 3-4 years of space launches from the ASC.

Why did INNOSPACE choose to launch from the Arnhem Space Centre?
Innospace chose ELA and the Arnhem Space Centre for their launch campaign because:

  • The orbital dynamics options achievable from launching from the geographical location
  • The physical geography – the positioning in the north of Australia with no jet stream, a solid and clear upper atmosphere and clear air space from other occupiers
  • Logistics services offered.
  • The commercial solution offered by ELA
  • The facilities and the engineering solutions
  • Geopolitical stability of Australia
What’s next for ELA?
Between now and the end of 2024 we’re going to see a huge upswing in activity both in Australia and globally in relation to new space. We are very encouraged by this announcement, and we expect to make more by the end of this calendar year – effectively booking us out for the next five years. Over time we aim to increase our launch frequency and cadence towards 55 to 60 launches a year by 2028.
What community involvement is there in the Northern Territory?
ELA has a fantastic relationship with the Gumatj Corporation and they are a great partner in this endeavour.  We are working cooperatively and welcome and appreciate their support of the Arnhem Space Centre and all the benefits it brings to the local region.
What is the significance of these announcements to the space industry?
This announcement has global implications. It’s the first multi-launch multi-year contract in what is being termed in the global space environment as new space – smaller launches, more precision delivery, higher launch cadence, catering to the smaller satellite market for the growing use of space for every endeavour that we do in our daily lives.