HyImpulse Has Successfully Launched Its SR75 Rocket

The launch of the HyImpulse SR75 suborbital rocket is set for the 3rd of May. A May 2 launch was postponed because of winds, which company reports have already begun to diminish. The inaugural HyImpulse launch is taking place at Southern Launch’s Koonibba Test Range in South Australia.

The SR75 arrived in Australia fully fueled on 22nd April. The name of the launch mission, ‘Light This Candle’ and the way the rocket was shipped both stem from the fact that the fuel is a form of paraffin wax. The name is also a nod to Alan Shepard’s famous, “Why don’t you just fix your little problem, and light this candle?!” quote before becoming the second person in space.

The company points out that even when fully fueled, there are no explosive materials on board for a freight company to worry about. The SR75 travelled in shipping containers and was even transferred to a second freighter in Singapore.  

The launch is scheduled to occur between 7:30 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. ACST / 00:00 and 07:30 CEST.

HyImpulse Successfully Launched Its SR75 Rocket

Updated on 3rd May

On 3rd May, HyImpulse has successfully launched its SR75 rocket from the Koonibba Test Range, managed by Southern Launch.

“We are incredibly proud to have been a part of this historic mission. The Koonibba Test Range is world-class and hosting this mission has demonstrated the outstanding expertise and experience of the Southern Launch and HyImpulse teams,” said Southern Launch CEO Lloyd Damp.

HyImpulse’s launch presents a notable advancement in Australia’s ability to conduct commercial space launches. Additionally, this inaugural mission, named SR75-1 “Light this Candle!”, marked the maiden launch of HyImpulse’s SR75 rocket.

“Our team at HyImpulse has been developing our unique hybrid rocket technology for many years. This successful launch proves that our technology is viable and is a great step forward as we move toward developing our SL1 orbital launch vehicle,” Co-CEO of HyImpulse Christian Schmierer stated.

The SR75 rocket is now set to be recovered from the Koonibba Test Range for post-flight analysis.

HyImpulse and SaxaVord

While the inaugural SR75 launch is happening in Australia, launches are also planned for SaxaVord Spaceport in the Shetlands. SaxaVord received its spaceport licence on 18th December and its range licence, which gives it permission to restrict and manage the environment around the site during launch periods, was granted on 25th April.

The relationship between HyImpulse and SaxaVord goes beyond the launch that will eventually happen in Scotland. The engine used in the SR75 was tested at SaxaVord in 2023. Scotland has been a regular testing site for both domestic and foreign rocket engines, with SaxaVord seeing both HyImpulse and Rocket Factory Augsburg using the site. Edinburgh-based Skyrora use their own site at The relationship between HyImpulse and SaxaVord goes beyond the launch that will eventually happen in Scotland. The engine used in the SR75 was tested at SaxaVord in 2023. Scotland has been a regular testing site for both domestic and foreign rocket engines, with SaxaVord seeing both HyImpulse and Rocket Factory Augsburg using the site. Edinburgh-based Skyrora use their own site at Gorebridge, Midlothian, as well as Machrihanish Airbase, near the tip of the Mull of Kintyre.