You need a permit if you intend to launch a high power rocket from Australia.
An Australian high power rocket permit is required for a rocket that will not reach or exceed an altitude of 100km above sea level and is propelled by a motor or motors with a combined total impulse greater than:
- 889,600 Newton seconds or
- 40,960 Newton seconds and is fitted with a system or systems that allow active control of its trajectory.
If you intend your rocket to reach an altitude of 100km or above, you will instead require an Australian launch permit. The Agency's Office of the Space Regulator (OSR) can provide advice and guidance on whether you need an Australian high power rocket permit and how to apply.
Process
Acknowledging that an Australian high power rocket permit application requires substantial evidence to satisfy criteria under the Space (Launches and Returns) Act 2018¸ we take an iterative approach to the application process.
Before applying you should read and understand the application guidelines.
You first submit an expression of interest form through the Regulatory Application Hub. You should include supporting evidence demonstrating your current progress against application requirements. We review your expression of interest to determine whether you have sufficient information for the application process to commence.
NOTE submitting an expression of interested is not an application submission. You will need to submit further documents.
During this workshop we:
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establish the status of your application
-
develop a shared understanding of application requirements that need to be met
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set and agree application submission and assessment timeframes
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clarify roles and responsibilities
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establish principles for how we engage throughout the application and assessment process.
After the workshop we provide you with a copy of a customised application plan which will help guide you through the remaining stages of the application process.
You submit application information in line with your application plan, uploading all documents to the corresponding application in the Regulatory Applications Hub.
We commence assessment of completed information and seek clarification or provide feedback, as required.
During the assessment process we consult with federal, state and territory authorities to see if there is any reason an Australian launch permit should not be granted. Reasons may include Australian security, defence, or international relations. We may request further information.
When there is sufficient evidence you meet criteria for granting a permit, we make recommendations to the Minister (or their delegate).
The Minister (or delegate) decides whether to grant the Australian high power rocket permit, taking into consideration advice from the Agency.
The Minister has discretion to seek further information from applicants and Australian high power rocket permit holders.
Costs and timelines
There are no fees for applying for a high power rocket permit, or for having your application assessed.
Application timelines are typically about 6 months from when you have submitted sufficient information to commence the application process.
For more information, download and read the latest guidelines available at the top of this page.
Application criteria include
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competence
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environmental approval
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insurance and financial coverage
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safety of design, construction, and operation (including flight path) aligning with Flight Safety Code
-
Australia’s security, defence, or international relations
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whether your object is or contains a nuclear weapon or weapon of mass destruction
-
risk hazard analysis aligning with the Flight Safety Code.
For more information, download and read the latest guidelines available at the top of this page.
Submit your EOI
Find the Expression of Interest (EOI) form at the top of this page
Submit your completed EOI, along with relevant material, via the Regulatory Application Hub.
Main image: Launch of SR75 rocket from Southern Launch’s Koonibba Test Range | Credit: Southern Launch
