Southern Launch To Host Re-Entries Of Reusable Satellites At Koonibba Test Range

Southern Launch has signed a contract with US-based satellite startup Lux Aeterna to carry out orbital re-entries of reusable satellites at the Koonibba Test Range in South Australia.

The agreement includes two of Lux Aeterna’s Delphi satellites returning to Earth via the South Australian site, with the first mission slated for 2027.

Circular Space Economy Boost

The collaboration aims to advance reusable space infrastructure and promote circular space manufacturing. The partnership will allow government, commercial and research customers to test and return hardware from Low Earth Orbit missions more efficiently.

Based in Denver, Colorado, Lux Aeterna is developing a reusable satellite platform designed to operate in Low Earth Orbit. Its Delphi satellite bus is being engineered to endure re-entry, allowing routine recovery of both the platform and its payload.

Lux Aeterna Founder and Chief Executive, Brian Taylor, said the goal was to normalise satellite return missions in the same way launch services have become repeatable.

“Lux Aeterna’s mission is to make repeatable space operations as routine as reusable launch services,” Taylor said.

“Partnering with Southern Launch enables us to conduct missions at the cadence we require to validate key elements of our reusable satellite platform and deliver outcomes for the broader space community.”

End-To-End Re-Entry Support

Southern Launch will manage all aspects of the return missions, including regulatory approvals, airspace and maritime coordination, range operations and payload recovery.

Chief Executive, Lloyd Damp, said the partnership would support future use cases in in-orbit servicing and in-space manufacturing.

“Southern Launch is the leading range service provider for orbital re-entries globally,” Damp said.

“Lux Aeterna is developing technology that is key for the future of in-space research and technology development, and we look forward to partnering with them to bring their spacecraft back to the Koonibba Test Range safely.”

Government Backs Local Industry

South Australia’s Minister for Industry Innovation and Science, Joe Szakacs, welcomed the contract, which will see exclusive re-entry operations secured for the state.

“This is a great result for South Australia and our burgeoning space industry,” Szakacs said.

“I congratulate Southern Launch and Lux Aeterna on reaching this agreement, which will see future operations exclusively locked in for South Australia. Our Government remains committed to attracting investment and delivering outcomes in industries that we see as being pivotal to our future economy.”

Unique Capabilities At Koonibba

The Koonibba Test Range, operated in partnership with the Koonibba Community Aboriginal Corporation, offers a large recovery zone with more than 41,000 square kilometres of open land and minimal air traffic. Its remoteness and scale make it well suited for controlled de-orbit and payload retrieval.

Southern Launch operates two facilities: the Koonibba Test Range and the Whalers Way Orbital Launch Complex near Port Lincoln.

Satellite Recovery As A Service

Lux Aeterna’s model is centred around high-frequency orbital operations with vehicles that can return intact to Earth for analysis or reuse. It is targeting defence, intelligence, commercial and in-space manufacturing customers.

The company’s engineering base in Denver is focused on building a fleet of Delphi-class reusable satellites. The first demonstration mission is expected in 2027.

By separating the satellite bus from its payload and enabling reusability, Lux Aeterna is pitching its platform as a means to reduce mission risk, speed up innovation and support post-mission analysis.

More on the company can be found at luxaeterna.com

Last Updated on December 18, 2025 by Nick Ross