Phantom Space Corporation selects Arnhem Space Centre for new dedicated launch site

 April 19, 2023

 Phantom Space Corporation (Phantom), has announced the selection of Arnhem Space Centre (ASC) on the Gove Peninsula in Australia's Northern Territory for a dedicated launch site.  

The Arnhem Space Centre expands Phantom's space launch capabilities with direct access to very low-inclination and equatorial orbits.  Phantom is also developing a dedicated launch site, SLC-5, at Vandenberg Space Force Base for access to polar, sun synchronous and high-inclination orbits as well as a launch site, LC-13, at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station for direct access to mid- and low-inclination orbits. ASC is also Phantom's first launch site outside the United States providing service to the Australian market and Asia-Pacific region.

The selection of ASC marks a key milestone for Phantom and Equatorial Launch Australia (ELA), ASC's developer, owner, and operator.  The two companies have been exploring launch options under a previously undisclosed Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signed in September 2022.  The companies will now finalize a multi-launch contract and explore the generation and support for space missions of national significance for Australia and the Asia-Pacific region.

Phantom's ASC launch site is expected to consist of two launch pads capable of launching the company's Daytona and Laguna launch vehicles as well as a near-by horizontal integration facility for final launch vehicle preparation, payload integration, and ground support equipment maintenance and storage. 

ELA rose to prominence as an international multi-user commercial spaceport after successfully completing three commercial space launches with NASA over a 15 day period in mid in 2022. These launches were Australia's first ever commercial launches as well as Australia's first space launch in more than 25 years and also the first launches for NASA from a commercial spaceport.

Mark Lester, COO of Phantom Space said, "Launch sites are akin to gates at an airport—it's imperative to have a robust portfolio to meet customer needs.  Arnhem Space Centre fits perfectly into Phantom's strategy as it broadens our direct access to new orbital regimes with a proven spaceport.  In addition to ASC's unique geography, ELA's success with NASA's space launches and their ability to provide a full-service spaceport at low cost were key elements in selecting ASC as our next dedicated launch site. We look forward to continuing to work with the ELA team to provide assured access to space for our customers."

Phantom's CEO Jim Cantrell said, "Australia has been a great friend to the United States throughout the years and we at Phantom are proud to lead the way in utilizing this unique new launch complex from Australia.  We look forward to the success of this partnership in the great tradition of the history between the two countries."

Michael Jones, Executive Chairman and Group CEO of ELA said the agreement with Phantom was the next step forward for Australia's space industry.

"We are delighted to announce this partnership with Phantom Space Corporation which has been developing for some time. We are really keen for Phantom to be resident launcher and access our world-leading launch site at the Arnhem Space Centre and take Australia's space industry to the next level," said Mr Jones. "we really liked Phantom from the outset, their technology, commercial philosophy and quite frankly they have been a launch mentor for us from our first meeting. Their experience and knowledge is a clear standout in the small launcher market."

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