Flight Path Issues for a Cape York Spaceport

Initial studies conducted by the Institution of Engineers Australia into the feasibility of a commercially operated launch complex on the Cape York Peninsula proved encouraging, and led to private companies conducting their own commercial assessments. AUSSAT was involved in several study topics including the evaluation of flight path issues. Common easterly launches into minimum inclination and Shuttle-type orbits are seen as attainable whereas polar mission trajectories, although possible, are less feasible due to the significant compromise between overflight of populated or other sensitive areas and launch capability reduction due to 'doglegging' around such areas. Tracking considerations are discussed and examples of typical tracking and telemetry station locations are proposed. Typical polar launches should require a maximum of two tracking stations whereas lower altitude equatorial orbit missions may require up to five installations for complete coverage of both minimum inclination and Shuttle-type orbits.