Powering Space Exploration

The Challenge
Power and temperature control for a remote Space Station
The Impact
Ensuring the future launch of three suborbital sounding rockets
The Solution
Supporting the rocket launch with power & temperature control solutions

Client:Morningside Electrical

Location:Nhulunbuy, Australia

Sectors:Contracting

The Challenge

Proving a remote Space Station with rocket-fueled power.

Morningside Electrical required power and temperature control for a remote Space Station during its construction and early stages of operation.

With no mains access, nothing during the construction or operation could take place without Aggreko’s generators. But with the location being extremely remote with poor road access, providing the power and temperature control systems would be difficult.

1.5MWTemporary Power

1000kmDistance from Darwin

250kWAir Conditioning

8 Junes, 2022First launch

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The Solution

Shooting for the stars

Aggreko managed to fully support the rocket launch from Australia’s spaceport in the Northern Territory.
We delivered a number of generators, fuel tanks, AC units, and the associated cables and ducting to the remote location via sea barge.

These solutions were then installed as a temporary measure until their own generators are commissioned and installed.

Now, Aggreko is providing long-term support from November 2021 until September 2022.

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The Gumatj people have enjoyed working with ELA, NASA and Aggreko on this project, on our land. Quite simply, without Aggreko, there would be no power for the space portal. This project is an opportunity for Gumatj and the residents of East Arnhem Land to be at the forefront of space technology in Australia.

Klaus Helms , Gumatj CEO

The Impact

Aggreko: we have liftoff

With our timely implementation of the project, the space station will be able to launch three suborbital sounding rockets to conduct astrophysics studies that can only be done from the Southern Hemisphere.
Aggreko provided consistent and open lines of communication, frequent technical advice, and ensured regular maintenance was undertaken as and when it was required.
Thanks to Aggreko, this will be the first time NASA will undertake a launch from a commercial launch facility outside of the US.