Atakani Space Centre – Space Centre Australia

ASC – SCA

Australia’s Northernmost Launch gateway to the Stars

Location

Situated 40km east of Weipa from Queensland’s Cape York Peninsula, Atakani Space Centre is 300 square kilometers 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.

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 operations commence (radar services, sounding & suborbital missions)

  • 2030+ – Full-scale commercial launch operations begin

Strategic Impact

Atakani will create long term benefits in:

  • Space launch access for commercial and government missions

  • Indigenous led economic participation and job creation

  • Advanced manufacturing and aerospace R&D

  • International partnerships and sovereign space infrastructure

Space Centre Australia Spaceport Rocket Launch Capabilities

Global Relevance

With increasing demand for southern launch corridors, Atakani Space Centre will play a key role in enabling:

  • Responsive launch services for Asia-Pacific and AUKUS partners

  • Collaboration with NASA, ESA, JAXA, and emerging space economies

  • Global satellite constellation support and orbital servicing

CONTACT

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Mailing Address:
P. O. Box 3161, Cairns, Queensland, Australia, 4870

Locations (Australia):

  • Cairns, Queensland, Australia
  • Weipa, Queensland, Australia

Locations (International):

  • Wallops Island, Virginia, United States of America
  • Liverpool, United Kingdom

Hours AEST GMT +10
Mon 09:00 am – 05:00 pm
Tue 09:00 am – 05:00 pm
Wed 09:00 am – 05:00 pm
Thu 09:00 am – 05:00 pm
Fri 09:00 am – 05:00 pm
Sat Closed
Sun Closed

Contact Number:

Australia Only: 1800 971 610

International: +61 402 444 966

USA: +1 571 646 6070

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