abc.net.au/news/arnhem-land-nt-missile-testing-possibility-raises-concern/102269398A rocket launch company in the remote Northern Territory says it has the capability to test defence missiles – a development that has sparked concern within the local community.
The two firms said they were working towards a "space mission of national significance for Australia and the Asia Pacific region" but would not be drawn on the specifics of what that mission could be.ELA chief executive Michael Jones said the mission plan was "classified and confidential". Mark D Lester, Phantom's chief operating officer, said that "since the US and Australia remain close allies, it is possible we will conduct defence missions" at the Arnhem Space Centre in the future.
"However, the growth of commercial use of space will eclipse government uses and that includes our projected launches from Australia," Mr Lester said.in correspondence with the ABC, that it had built "an imaging satellite for a commercial customer who will be deploying this imagery in support of United States Department of Defence core missions".