Equatorial Launch Australia (ELA) · East Arnhem Land, Northern Territory, Australia, Australia
Launch Pads
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Annual Launches
1-3
Max Payload (LEO)
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Established
2019
Arnhem Space Centre (ASC) in Australia's Northern Territory is a commercial launch facility at 12.4°S — among the closest commercial sites to the equator outside of South America and Africa. It made history hosting the first NASA launches from Australian soil in 27 years (2022 sounding-rocket campaign). The site sits on Yolngu Aboriginal land under a long-term commercial agreement with the Gumatj Corporation.
| Region | Oceania |
| Country | 🇦🇺 Australia |
| Coordinates | -12.4434° N, 136.8229° E |
| Ownership | Private |
| Parent Entity | Equatorial Launch Australia Pty Ltd |
| Regulatory Regime | Australian Space Agency under Space (Launches and Returns) Act 2018 |
| Latitude Advantage | 12.4°S — ~8–12% GTO energy bonus vs. mid-latitude sites; near-equatorial inclinations accessible |
| Azimuth Range | Approximately 0°–135° (north to southeast over open Arafura/Coral seas) |
| Website | https://ela.space/arnhem-space-centre/ |
Anchor Tenants
Active Users
Strategic Value
Only commercial spaceport in the southern equatorial band west of South America; positions Australia for sovereign small-sat launch and inbound NASA campaigns.
Recent Activity
NASA returned to ASC in 2025 for follow-on Black Brant sounding-rocket campaign; pad expansion underway
2026
Continued NASA campaigns and potential orbital launch licensing for tenant vehicles
2027
Targeted first orbital launch from Australian soil from ASC (pending licensing)