During the “aerobraking”, the Boeing-made vehicle will use the drag of Earth’s atmosphere to slow down, reducing its energy while only expending minimal fuel. It will then jettison its service module component before resuming its normal testing.

In an extraordinary investigation published on Thursday, the ATSB also revealed Blake Wilson “did not hold the appropriate endorsements to fly at night” and had flown “well below” the 1,000ft minimum height required for built-up areas.

The TWU has reached an in-principle agreement with Ampol that will see pay rise by 28 per cent over the next three years, as well as more permanent full-time roles, higher rates for weekends and night shifts, and a pledge that the company will consult workers before major operational changes.

The aircraft, to be based in Broome, will support PHI’s offshore energy transportation activities, as well as search and rescue and medevac operations. The company has three Australian bases in Broome, Exmouth and Darwin.