EQUATORIAL LAUNCH AUSTRALIA East Arnhem Land Arnhem Space Centre Copyright: East Arnhem Land Tourist Association Scott Wallis Founder & Chief of Space July 2018
Arnhem Space Centre Solid launch vehicle sites on Gulkula plateau (100m AMSL) launch and recover payloads flown through space initial site with three pads (40 year lease) site redesigned following NASA visit (Oct 2016) and feasibility study (2017) design allows launches of micro orbital solid rockets from late 2018/2019 Liquid launch vehicle sites launch satellites to low earth orbit (including EqLEO) using liquid propellant vehicles agreement in place with supplier of large satellite launch vehicle (greater than 2,000kg to GTO) planning/architecting of common infrastructure for multiple sites and launch organisations is underway small satellite launches from 2019/2020 launches of large satellites and spacecraft to deep space from 2023 daily - two direct lunar insertions possible without the need for a transfer orbit
Site Selection East Arnhem Land is the best location in the region for launch close to equator, reduced delta V, less expensive launches, more payload to orbit latitude of 12 South enables Equatorial LEO and all other orbits best weather conditions in northern Australia for traditional launch better weather than similar equatorial launch sites Gulf of Carpentaria has very little activity (no impact from oil/gas rigs or marine parks) Minimal shipping/fishing/tourism that could delay launches due range encroachment - unlike many Aust coastal areas regional access controlled by permit (traditional owners regularly close off areas for ceremony) area of extremely low population density (NASA advised significant extant infrastructure (regional hub, deep sea port, long runway, major hospital, international fibre connection runs past sites)
Main Township of Nhulunbuy 250 housing properties managed by local business development group to support industry growth in the region. Image Credit: DEAL
Deep sea port Logistics Well-equipped industrial and bulk goods handling facilities, including: General Cargo Terminal Designated for vessels up to 25 000 deadweight tonnes with a max length of 165m; G3 wharf, 36m long x 20m including 1300m 2 laydown area with general lighting; Roll on, Roll Off barge ramp 20m wide with all tides access Underutilised laydown areas and office/warehouse space within port area ; Existing Customs presence; Commonwealth Maritime Security legislation compliant Image Credit: DEAL
Major regional airport Gove airport is a city-standard airport, equipped to handle 150 000+ passengers per annum, other features include: 2208m (7245ft) long x 45m (150ft) wide runway, capable of safely landing aircraft like Boeing 737-400 (68,000 kg weight limitation, Larger aircraft access by pavement concession Weather Radar and regular upper atmosphere balloon launches 24/7 access, pilot activated lighting Dedicated parking apron for commercial aircraft and a separate terminal for smaller general aviation craft Security controlled aerodrome and security screening contractor Navigational aids for poor weather Airspace clearance easily facilitated Runway extendable Image Credit: Northern Territory
Regional Hospital 32-bed regional hospital with trauma room, surgical, maternity services Emergency department undergoing upgrades Private medical, dental and aged health providers; visiting specialists Gove Peninsula Ambulance service; Regional CareFlight medical retrieval /patient travel service Image Credit: Northern Territory Government
Extant Infrastructure Garma Site Knowledge Centre (Launch & Media) Site accommodates 1500 people camping for Garma Festival August each year
Using Existing Facilities (Garma site) Architecture reflects culture and traditional link to the stars View south to launch sites from balcony on edge of escarpment Large auditorium with access to global optical fibre communication One of the large meeting spaces off the main auditorium
Equatorial Low Earth Orbit (EqLEO) Only a few launch sites globally in the. equatorial zone (+/- 15 degrees) Equatorial LEO orbits cover South East Asia, most of Africa and South America and many Pacific countries this is an underserviced market of 3 billion people EqLEO cover requires 1/10 th satellites compared to global coverage 1/10 th satellites means costs are an order of magnitude less result is currently space poor nations could afford a sovereign satellite constellation
National Benefits An Australian space launch facility provides the following opportunities: sovereign launch full control of Australian payloads and their launch schedule strategic engagement with regional countries for launch of their satellites economic export income commercial and employment benefits direct and indirect educational engagement with Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Maths (STEAM) students at all levels tourism
Summary Equatorial Launch Australia has taken a systematic phased approach to identifying, evaluating, negotiating, and planning a space launch facility based on extensive engagement with stakeholders and regulatory authorities The approach underpins a spaceport architecture that can expand as demand increases and launch technologies change
Equatorial Launch Australia Questions