Black Sky Aerospace
| Company type | Private |
|---|---|
| Industry | Aerospace |
| Founder | Blake Nikolic |
| Headquarters | Logan , Australia |
Key people | Blake Nikolic (CEO) |
| Products | Payload delivery solutions, propulsion systems, rocket components, suborbital vehicles, calibration and simulation technologies |
Black Sky Aerospace (BSA) is an Australian private aerospace firm located in Logan, Queensland. The company focuses on payload delivery solutions, utilising its own propulsion systems, rocket components, and suborbital vehicles. Additionally, BSA provides calibration and simulation technologies.
History
In 2021, Black Sky Aerospace was awarded a federal grant to produce Responsive Common Use Booster (RCUB) propellant for commercial applications. CEO Blake Nikolic mentioned that the funding was secured through the Australian Space Agency's Moon to Mars Supply Chain Capability Improvement initiative. By June 2023, the Goondiwindi Regional Council had authorized BSA’s proposal to establish a rocket launch facility northwest of Goondiwindi.
Description
Currently headquartered in Logan, Queensland, Black Sky Aerospace was formerly situated in Jimboomba.
First commercial rocket launch in Australia
On 21 November 2018, Black Sky Aerospace achieved Australia's inaugural commercial payload rocket launch from the country’s sole sub-orbital launch site located west of Goondiwindi in Queensland. The sub-orbital flight employed a Sighter190 research rocket carrying experimental payloads to an altitude near . The launch was initiated by then-Minister for State Development, Manufacturing, Infrastructure and Planning, Cameron Dick.
Approval for solid rocket motor production
In September 2019, regulatory clearance was granted to Black Sky Aerospace to manufacture solid rocket motors (SRMs). These motors act as propellant boosters and are widely preferred for their straightforward design and cost efficiency. This milestone positioned BSA as the first Australian company capable of producing solid fuels for both orbital and sub-orbital launch vehicles.
Preferred access to Arnhem Space Centre
October 2019 saw Black Sky Aerospace secure priority launch rights at the Equatorial Launch Australia (ELA) Arnhem Space Centre near Nhulunbuy, Northern Territory. Director Blake Nikolic emphasized the strategic benefits of launching near the equator for clients. Operated by Equatorial Launch Australia, the Arnhem Space Centre was set to accommodate NASA’s initial launch from a foreign non-government-owned location. The first astrophysics-focused sounding rocket launch took place successfully on 27 June 2022, with additional launches planned later that month.
Artillery rocket launched from a ute
In 2022, Black Sky Aerospace successfully deployed an artillery rocket from a launcher installed on the tray of a commercially available Holden Colorado vehicle.
Products
- Sighter190 research rocket
- Artillery rocket launched from a Holden Colorado