S
outh Australia is set to play a part in NASA’s return to the Moon, with Adelaide-based aerospace company Southern Launch selected to help track the Artemis II Orion mission.
The Artemis II mission will carry astronauts around the Moon aboard the Orion spacecraft, marking the first crewed lunar mission in 53 years. The flight is designed to test critical systems ahead of future Moon landings and longer-term plans for missions beyond Earth orbit.
Southern Launch will provide ground-based tracking support using infrastructure at the Koonibba Test Range near Ceduna. The company’s role involves passively tracking the Orion spacecraft, allowing high-quality tracking data to be collected without sending signals or commands to the vehicle.
The work forms part of NASA’s effort to assess how the wider aerospace sector can support future missions to the Moon and Mars. Southern Launch’s involvement gives the agency access to southern hemisphere infrastructure that can help fill gaps in global tracking coverage.
Southern Launch previously took part in the Artemis I mission in 2022, when a group of 10 volunteers successfully tracked the Orion spacecraft during its uncrewed flight.
The Artemis II mission is expected to draw international attention because it will be the first time astronauts travel around the Moon since the final Apollo mission in 1972. It is also seen as a major test for NASA’s wider Artemis programme, which aims to return humans to the lunar surface and establish a longer-term presence there.
South Australian Minister Chris Picton said the project showed the growing role local industry could play in major international space programmes.
“It’s exciting that South Australians are playing a role in this global endeavour,” he said.
“For the first time in more than 50 years there’s a mission to the moon and the team at Southern Launch will be tracking its progress.
“This highlights the quality of the technology and the workforce based here in SA and the opportunities available to our state to play a role in future space programs.”
Southern Launch chief executive Lloyd Damp said Artemis II would help shape future space operations beyond low Earth orbit.
“Artemis II represents a critical step in returning humans to the Moon and establishing a sustained presence beyond low Earth orbit,” he said.
“Our participation reflects the growing role Australia can play in supporting deep space missions and the evolution of ground infrastructure required for cislunar operations.”
Australia’s role in international space projects has expanded in recent years, with local companies increasingly involved in satellite launches, tracking services and defence-related technology.
For South Australia, Southern Launch’s involvement in Artemis II is likely to add to the state’s reputation as a growing centre for aerospace, defence and advanced technology.
While the Artemis II mission is still focused on testing and preparation, its success could shape the future of human spaceflight for decades to come.
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