Whalers Way Orbital Launch Complex

Whalers Way Orbital Launch Complex is Southern Launch’s licensed spaceport on the tip of South Australia’s Eyre Peninsula, Australia’s second licensed space launch facility. The operator describes direct-ascent trajectories from 55° to 177° for polar and sun-synchronous orbits, plus 135° inclination, hypersonic flight testing, and water-based returns from orbit over the Southern Ocean. The complex covers more than 1,600 hectares with over 6 km of ocean frontage, fully instrumented telemetry, optical and radar systems, and range operations coordinating ground, air and maritime traffic. South Australian and Commonwealth approvals were recorded in 2024, with construction planned to begin in 2026; it is not a general walk-in visitor attraction, and any access or viewing arrangements must be confirmed with Southern Launch and local authorities. Facility reference: Whalers Way, Sleaford, Eyre Peninsula, South Australia, Australia.