RAAF Woomera Range Complex Launch Area 5A

LA-5A

Mission Profile

Launch Area 5A (LA-5A) at RAAF Woomera Range Complex in South Australia was the pad used for test launches of Britain's Black Knight research rocket from 1958 to 1965. Located in the arid outback roughly 450 km north of Adelaide, Woomera was chosen for its isolation, clear skies, and long unobstructed downrange corridor. LA-5A supported the UK's investigation of atmospheric reentry physics during the early ballistic missile era, providing data that informed the development of British nuclear warhead reentry vehicles. The site remains part of Australia's active Woomera range and is currently seeing renewed interest as a launch site for small satellite rockets.