Locations
Atakani Space Centre
Cape York Peninsula, Queensland, Australia
Situated 40km east of Weipa on Queensland's Cape York Peninsula, Atakani Space Centre is 300 square kilometres in size and is ideally positioned to become one of the Southern Hemisphere's most strategically important launch sites.
300 km²
Site Area
40 km
East of Weipa
12°S
Equatorial Latitude
2029
Initial Operations
Location
Situated 40km east of Weipa on Queensland's Cape York Peninsula, Atakani Space Centre is 300 square kilometres in size and is ideally positioned to become one of the Southern Hemisphere's most strategically important launch sites.
With direct access to equatorial orbits, Atakani is uniquely placed to support a diverse range of mission profiles from suborbital testing and commercial satellite deployment to deep space exploration.
Country
Cultural Significance
The name Atakani is drawn from the local Luthigh language, meaning "lily pad." It represents more than a name it symbolises life, connection to Country, and the enduring spiritual significance of the land and waterways.
Space Centre Australia acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of the land and is committed to building this project through a strong foundation of Indigenous partnership, cultural respect, and sustainable development.
Project Vision
Atakani Space Centre is not just a launch pad it is the centrepiece of a bold, long-term vision to elevate Australia as a sovereign and globally competitive spacefaring nation.
Often compared to a "Kennedy 2.0," the facility will feature:
- Vertical launch complexes
- Payload integration facilities
- Range safety and mission control systems
- Radar and tracking infrastructure
- Indigenous STEM education and tourism precincts
Current Development Timeline
2025–2028
Site preparation, stakeholder engagement, and regulatory approvals
2029
Initial construction operations commence (sounding and suborbital missions)
2030+
Full-scale commercial launch operations begin
Strategic Impact
Atakani will create long-term benefits in:
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