NASA has successfully launched its first rocket from Australian soil in more than a quarter of a century.
Key points:
- The launch took place from a new spaceport in the remote Northern Territory
- It is expected to fly about 300 kilometers into space to conduct astrophysics studies
- Dozens of dignitaries and scientists gathered in Arnhem Land for the historic launch
After rain and wind delayed the launch by more than an hour, the suborbital sounding rocket took off on Monday morning shortly after midnight at the newly built Arnhem space center at the remote eastern end of the Territory. of the North.
It marks the first commercial space launch in Australian history and the first NASA rocket launch from a commercial spaceport outside the United States.
The rocket, which is expected to fly about 300 kilometers in space above the ground of Arnhem, is conducting astrophysics studies that can only be conducted in the southern hemisphere, NASA said .
It was NASA’s first space launch from a commercial spaceport outside the United States. (Michael Franchi)
The sky lights up “in the blink of an eye”
About 100 prominent people (scientists, politicians, members of the local community, indigenous leaders and the media) were moved to see the launch, from an observation platform about 800 meters away and not far away. from the site of the annual Garma festival.
One of the people watching her was Yirrkala school co-principal Merrkiyawuy Ganambarr-Stubbs, who said it was “amazing that something like this happened here in Yolngu country.”
“It was in the blink of an eye, but for me, it was like I was in slow motion because the whole area was just lit up,” he said.
“It went up, and then the sound, it was like a rumble, like nothing I’ve ever heard.
“And I just shuddered in surprise.”
The rocket was visible for about 10 seconds, until just before leaving the Earth’s atmosphere.
Other people from the nearby municipality of Nhulunbuy also had the opportunity to see a brief glimpse of the rocket on its journey to the sky, as well as residents of the nearby communities and homelands of nearby Yolngu.
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Prior to the launch, dignitaries from both the United States and Australia gathered to talk about the historic moment.
U.S. Consul General Kathleen Lively said she reaffirmed the “deep partnership” between the two nations.
“Our collaboration is driving space exploration to improve our understanding of the solar system and the universe,” he said.
“Today marks a moment that will go down in history for the United States and Australia, in our space collaboration efforts.”
The launch took place from land owned by the Yolngu people. (Michael Franchi)
The launch took place from land owned by the Yolngu people and was announced by a main leader of the Gumatj clan, Djawa Yunupingu.
“I always thought this would be a fresh start [for the region]”He said.
Two more scheduled releases from Arnhem Land
Northern Territory Chief Minister Natasha Fyles, who was among the VIPs who moved in for the occasion, said it was an “extremely proud” moment for Australia.
“Here in the land of Yolngu, territorial youth can look to the sky and know what can be done,” Ms. Fyles said.
“When we see the oldest living culture combined with the science of space, as we have here, it’s something we can all reflect on and be very proud of.”
The inaugural launch was the first of three NASA launches scheduled to take place during the months of June and July this year, and the next is expected to come out on July 4th.
Seventy-five NASA personnel traveled to Australia for the launches. (Supplied by: ELA)
Posted 14 hours ago 14 hours ago dig. June 26, 2022 at 6:29 PM, updated 11 hours ago dig. June 26, 2022 at 9:29 p.m.