Equatorial Launch Australia (ELA) has unveiled the completed designs for its Horizontal Integration Facility (HIF) buildings, marking a crucial step in delivering the Spaceport of the Future at the Arnhem Space Centre (ASC).
These state-of-the-art assembly, integration, and testing facilities are tailored for up to seven rocket launch companies, offering a cutting-edge infrastructure with dimensions of 40m (L) x 26m (W) x 12m (H) in standard configuration, ELA said in a news release.
According to the company, HIF buildings are purpose-built to support launch vehicle companies and satellite payload manufacturers, ensuring optimal conditions for mission success.
The designs follow the recent release of ELA’s ASCALP launch pad designs in December 2023, forming a comprehensive ‘Space Launch Complex’ (SLC) that comprises up to two launch pads and one HIF building for each resident launcher.
Michael Jones, executive chairman and Group CEO of Equatorial Launch Australia, expressed excitement about this major milestone.
“The public release of our completed HIF designs at the Arnhem Space Centre is another major milestone for ELA, and we are incredibly excited to be able to share these designs with our current and future customers and with the wider space industry,” said Jones.
ELA said its approach involves planning and a focus on meeting the needs of launch vehicle providers.
The innovative designs are a result of extensive international research, discussions with customers, and consideration of regulatory requirements.
The facilities, designed for modularity and flexibility, aim to exceed the expectations of launch vehicle providers, offering a high-specification standard for their operational needs.
Key features of each HIF include a large rocket assembly area, a high-clearance ISO 8 cleanroom for vertical payload integration, a 20,000kg full-space overhead gantry crane, an enclosed workshop space for repair and fabrication work, and advanced security measures.
The buildings also prioritise insulation, HVAC climate control, cyclone resistance, and environmental sustainability.
Jones concluded, “It’s our aim to be the spaceport partner of choice where we can work with our customers to give them the absolute best chance of repeated successful missions.”
