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First rocket launched by NASA from an Australian commercial spaceport. (credits: Google)
NASA’s first rocket launch from a commercial spaceport outside of the US took place on an unremarkable patch of red dirt in far-off Australia, making history in the process.
Early on Monday local time, the tiny site saw the launch of the sub-orbital rocket.
According to NASA, it will allow for astrophysics research that is currently only possible in the Southern Hemisphere.
Additionally, it marked the first launch in Australia in more than 25 years.
From the recently built Arnhem Space Centre on the outskirts of the Northern Territory, the rocket is the first of three being launched by NASA.
It should facilitate research into how the light from a star affects the habitability of neighbouring planets.
The rocket was barely visible to onlookers for around 10 seconds before it disappeared from view.
The entire area simply lighted up, according to Merrkiyawuy Ganambarr-Stubbs, co-principal of Yirrkala School, who told the Australian Broadcasting Corporation that “it happened in the blink of an eye, but to me, it felt like it was in slow motion.”
“It rose, followed by a sound that was unlike anything I had ever heard—just a rumbling boom. And I couldn’t help but shake in awe.”
Similar to the sounding rocket, its time in orbit was brief; after the anticipated 15 minutes, the 13-meter-long rocket returned to Earth.
However, the information obtained by the mission’s X-ray camera during that time will assist reveal the mysteries of Alpha Centauri A and B, the double-star system that is located 4.3 light-years from Earth and is the closest to it.
Natasha Fyles, the chief minister of the Northern Territory, described the launch as “very proud” for Australia and noted that it had taken place with the consent of the area’s Aboriginal traditional owners.
Young Territorians can look up into the sky here on Yolngu country and know what can be done, Ms. Fyles remarked.
“We can all pause and feel immense pride when we see the oldest living civilization fusing with space science, as we have here.”
Australia recently increased its space efforts by announcing a defence agency aimed at thwarting the aspirations of China and Russia in space.
The world’s first and only equatorial launch facility that is privately owned and operated is the Arnhem Space Centre.
In a statement, Mr. Jones stated, “We have accomplished a tremendous feat and made a huge mark in the history of Australia’s voyage in space.”
The ability of Australia and us to provide access to space is confirmed, and this is only the beginning for us.
The following launch is anticipated on July 4th.
All materials and debris will be collected by NASA and returned to the US.
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