SA: Background to Kistler's planned rocket launch

AAP General News (Australia)
08-21-2006
SA: Background to Kistler's planned rocket launch

Background to Kistler's planned rocket launch at Woomera, in South Australia's far north.



1997: The SA government announces Kistler plans to use Woomera to operate its new re-useable
launch vehicle K-1, with test flights scheduled to begin the following year.



1998: The federal government grants environmental clearance and agrees to allow Kistler
to launch satellites from Woomera. Aboriginal communities with native title claims over
the launch site also give their go-ahead to the $500 million project. In June, work begins
on the spaceport.



1999: The SA government says work at the launch site has stalled and criticises Kistler
for failing to raise money from investors. Kistler says it is still firmly committed to
Woomera despite financial delays and test flights are now expected to commence in early
2000. The project receives a boost later that year when another US aerospace firm, Northrop
Grumman, agree to invest up to $60 million in the project.



2006: NASA awards a $272 million contract to Kistler, with the company saying it now
intends to launch rockets from Woomera in late 2008.



AAP RTV la/wf/bart

KEYWORD: WOOMERA (ADELAIDE)

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