Equatorial Launch Australia Unveils Innovative ASC Advanced Launch Pad Designs

Equatorial Launch Australia Unveils Innovative ASC Advanced Launch Pad Designs
by Simon Mansfield
Sydney, Australia (SPX) Dec 19, 2023

Equatorial Launch Australia (ELA) has announced a significant breakthrough in launch pad technology with the completion of its Arnhem Space Centre Advanced Launch Pad (ASCALP) designs. This development marks a pivotal moment in the NewSpace sector, known for its innovative and rapidly evolving approach to space exploration and commercialization.

The ASCALP, hailed as the most advanced launch pad for small to medium NewSpace rockets, introduces a novel design enabling seamless integration of various rockets with the pad's pivot base. This capability allows all seven Space Launch Complexes (SLCs) at the Arnhem Space Centre (ASC) to adapt to different rockets with minimal notice for configuration changes, significantly enhancing launch flexibility and responsiveness.

Michael Jones, Chairman and Group CEO of ELA, underlines the importance of this innovation. "Every element of this ASCALP is designed to improve the safety and efficiency of launch. It is also designed to make the operation of the Arnhem Space Centre much more efficient and cost-effective," he said. This statement reflects ELA's commitment to advancing launch technology while prioritizing operational efficiency and cost-effectiveness.

ASCALP's design accommodates all current class NewSpace small launcher rockets, supporting launch weights up to approximately 450,000kg, corresponding to payloads of up to 3000kg. One of the standout features of this design is its significant reduction in damage caused by rocket plumes, substantially increasing the reusability of the launch pads. This aspect is particularly vital given the industry's shift towards rapid-responsive launch capabilities and sustainable practices.

The launch pad features a 90-degree, triple redundancy, hydraulically controlled Pivot Base, which facilitates the easy and quick mounting and dismounting of rockets. This feature, coupled with a detailed support service layout, underscores ELA's dedication to operational efficiency and safety. Furthermore, each rocket utilizes a custom-designed Interface Plate element, simplifying the connection to the Pivot Base and doubling as a work platform. This integration is crucial for accommodating a wide range of rocket sizes and shapes, along with their support equipment.

In addition to mechanical innovations, the pad incorporates an advanced 80,000-litre Water Deluge System, designed to mitigate the thermal and acoustic effects of rocket launches. This system, combined with a multilayer/composite plume deflector, is engineered to handle high-velocity rocket plumes exceeding 16500km/h and temperatures above 4000C. Extensive research and computational fluid dynamic analysis optimize the manifold design, enhancing the effectiveness of the spray/flow pattern.

The environmental considerations of the ASCALP are equally noteworthy. Each pad includes a large volume Environmental Capture Pond, colloquially named "Baby's Bath," essential for capturing and filtering residue from launches. This feature aligns with ELA's commitment to environmental protection and sustainability.

"The residue/effluent from launches is incredibly small... we have been collecting water, soil, and air samples over an expanded local area for more than two years now and will continue this monitoring and control process into the future," Jones elaborated, highlighting the meticulous environmental monitoring practices at ASC.

Complementing the ASCALP is the soon-to-be-completed Rocket Trolley, a purpose-made design to transport rockets from the Horizontal Integration Facility (HIF) at each SLC to the launch pad. The Rocket Trolley is engineered to handle rockets up to 45m in length and 130,000kg in total mass, facilitating precision loading and attachment to the Pivot Base of the pad. This integration exemplifies ELA's approach to providing a comprehensive and integrated launch solution.

The ASCALP is not just a technological marvel; it also represents a strategic vision for the future of space launches. ELA's approach embodies a balance between innovative design, operational efficiency, and environmental stewardship, setting a new benchmark in the NewSpace industry.

Jones's vision for the ASCALP extends beyond the technical aspects, emphasizing the need for safety, efficiency, and customer-centric solutions. "At the end of the day, they are the customer, and the customer is always right, but our engineering systems and Launch Facility Licensing requirements dictate we have a very strong view of the integrated launch systems and a desire for commonality where practical, and this all translates to all things related to the launch process," he stated.