Satellite Return MoU Signed by Southern Launch, Space Forge

A Memorandum of Understanding to explore the possibility of satellite return to the Koonibba Test Range in Australia has been signed between Southern Launch and UK-based Space Forge.

"Space Forge is looking to not just launch from Australia but also to bring economic benefit, payload refurbishment, job opportunities and cutting edge space technologies to our shores.”

Australian Space Agency head Enrico Palermo.

Space Forge is focused on expanding the in-space manufacturing market for the research and production of new super materials. To enable this service they are developing a service incorporating both launch and return of a new small class of vehicle - the ForgeStar - that can be deployed from conventional launchers to provide rapid, reliable and reusable in-space infrastructure. Space Forge will launch their ForgeStar-1A satellite later this year, where they will prove their re-entry capabilities.

At over 10,000 square kilometers (half the size of Space Forge’s home country Wales) the Koonibba Test Range is one of the world’s largest commercial rocket testing facilities. The size and geographical location in line with sun-synchronous orbits makes it an ideal location for Space Forge to target as their re-entry point for the ForgeStar satellite return.

"This agreement with Space Forge heralds a new era in the Australian space industry," said Southern Launch CEO Lloyd Damp. "It’s a definitive step forward in showcasing to the world the expertise and natural advantages we have right here in South Australia."

The circular nature of Space Forge’s business model opens a world of opportunities for the wider Australian space industry. "Space Forge will be looking to refurbish and launch their satellites as close as possible to the re-entry point. Our Whalers Way Orbital Launch Complex is the natural solution for a launch site, and we will be exploring this option with Space Forge throughout the MoU process," Lloyd said. "Our hope is to provide a complete solution for Space Forge which creates further opportunities for the wider industry."

"This partnership is a fantastic example of international collaboration - working together for the benefit of the global space industry.” said Joshua Western, CEO and Co-Founder of Space Forge.

“The size and location of the Koonibba Test Range as a Southern Hemisphere re-entry point for our ForgeStar satellite make it an ideal option for our business model and this partnership has great potential to bring economic growth and cutting-edge technologies to both the UK and Australia. We are delighted to be announcing our collaboration and excited to grow our relationship with Lloyd and the team at Southern Launch.”

Satellite Return MoU Signed at the International Space Symposium

The satellite return Memorandum of Understanding was signed at the International Space Symposium held in Colorado Springs, and was witnessed by the head of the Australian Space Agency, Enrico Palermo and Rebecca Evernden, Director of Space for the UK Government.

"This is another signal of the strong relationship between Australia and the UK. It demonstrates that our nation is a great place to do space, and has established companies like Southern Launch that are reliable partners to do business with," Palmero said. "Importantly, Space Forge is looking to not just launch from Australia but also to bring economic benefit, payload refurbishment, job opportunities and cutting edge space technologies to our shores.”

Space Forge and Southern Launch will collaborate on the satellite return MoU over the coming months and hope to announce a joint mission before the end of the year.

(Source: Southern Launch news release. Image provided. Pictured (L-R) Rebecca Evernden, Director of Space, UK Department of Science, Innovation and Technology, Joshua Western, CEO and Co-Founder, Space Forge, Lloyd Damp, CEO, Southern Launch, Enrico Palermo, Head of the Australian Space Agency.)