In a significant move for the Australian space industry, leading French rocket company Sirius Space Services (Sirius) has partnered with Equatorial Launch Australia (ELA) for a multi-year, multi-launch contract. The agreement, announced during World Space Business Week in Paris, will see Sirius become a ‘Resident Launcher’ at the Arnhem Space Centre (ASC) in Australia, commencing operations in 2025. This strategic alliance signifies a major step forward for both companies, bolstering Australia’s position as a key player in the global space race.
As part of the agreement, Sirius will establish their own dedicated Space Launch Complex (SLC) at the ASC. The campaign will commence with the development and test flights of the SIRIUS 1 rocket in 2026, followed by launches of the larger SIRIUS 13 (with a payload capacity of 800kg) in 2027.
ELA’s CEO, Michael Jones, expressed his enthusiasm for the partnership, stating that Sirius will be the second ‘Resident Launcher’ at the ASC, leveraging ELA’s advanced commercial spaceport concept and full suite of launch services. The flexibility to access a range of orbits, including medium and low inclination, SSO and equatorial, alongside ELA’s extensive launch services, were key factors in Sirius’ decision. Jones emphasized the ASC’s unique capabilities, stating that it’s likely the only location globally that can meet all of Sirius’ requirements.
Sirius has chosen Space Launch Complex No. 3, affectionately nicknamed ‘Le Mans’. This complex boasts a dedicated Horizontal Integration Facility (HIF) measuring 45m x 26m x 12m high, equipped with an ISO 8 vertical payload integration clean room and a full span 20T gantry crane. ‘Le Mans’ also features two ASC Advanced Launch Pads (ASCALPTM), one of which will be fully developed to accommodate Sirius’ three rocket variants – SIRIUS 1, SIRIUS 13, and the future large 4 booster SIRIUS 15. The other pad will be partially developed as a backup.
This agreement marks the second ‘Resident Launcher’ contract for ELA, demonstrating the growing demand for their advanced spaceport infrastructure. Jones highlighted that negotiations are underway with three other launchers for similar contracts, indicating that the remaining orbital complexes at ASC are quickly filling up.
François Maroquene-Froissart, Co-founder & CTO of Sirius Space Services, emphasized the driving factors behind their decision to select ELA. He cited ELA’s advanced commercial spaceport concept, including state-of-the-art infrastructure, innovative commercial offerings, and exceptional customer service and support. Maroquene-Froissart underscored the alignment of ELA’s commitment to safety, operational excellence, and service with Sirius’ mission to deliver agile and competitive launch solutions to their global clientele.
This partnership between Sirius and ELA is a testament to the growing importance of Australia in the global space industry. The ASC’s strategic location and advanced facilities, combined with the expertise of ELA and the ambition of Sirius, promise to unlock new opportunities for space exploration and innovation.
