Southern Launch fails to put Taiwanese TiSPACE Hapith I rocket into space

Southern Launch has retired a rocket after a third failed attempt to put it into space.

Southern Launch has retired the Taiwanese TiSPACE Hapith I rocket after the company’s third attempt to put it into space.

The South Australian start-up made multiple attempts at firing the rocket from its Whalers Bay orbital launch complex over the past fortnight.

Southern Launch and TiSPACE will not attempt to launch the Hapith I again after its third failed launch attempt on September 16. Credit: Southern Launch

Resident footage showed plumes of smoke after Southern Launch’s third attempt at firing TiSPACE Hapith I rocket into space on September 16. Supplied: David Farlam

Both natural and technological challenges contributed to the failure to launch.

An inspection after the most recent attempt to launch the rocket on September 16 provided the company with information, but no further attempts will be made to launch it.

“This test launch vehicle may not have taken Australia to space, however it has provided our teams with valuable data and insights,” CEO Lloyd Damp said.

Credit: Southern Launch

“Which will lead TiSPACE in refining their launch vehicle capabilities further, and Southern Launch with the vibration and noise data needed to support the major development of the Whalers Way Orbital Launch Complex.”

Southern Launch has come under fire from environmentalists and Eyre Peninsula residents who say the launch site endangers native animals and marine life, and affects the quality of life in the area.