In a significant advancement for Australia’s space industry, Gilmour Space Technologies successfully launched its Eris rocket from the Bowen Orbital Spaceport in Queensland. This event marks the first time an Australian-designed and manufactured rocket has attempted to reach orbit from Australian soil.
The 23-metre Eris rocket ignited successfully and lifted off from the launch pad, meeting the company’s basic success criteria. However, the flight lasted only 14 seconds before the rocket lost altitude and crashed, with smoke observed rising from the site. Despite the premature failure, no injuries were reported, and the launch infrastructure remained intact.
CEO Adam Gilmour expressed satisfaction with the launch, noting that achieving liftoff on the first attempt is a rare accomplishment for private companies. He acknowledged the challenges of reaching orbit and highlighted the importance of the data collected during the flight for future improvements.
Local authorities and community leaders have praised the effort as a crucial step towards developing a commercial space industry in the region. Mayor Ry Collins of the Whitsunday Regional Council described the launch as a “huge achievement,” emphasizing its significance for the future of the local space sector.
The project received support from the federal government, including a recent AU$5 million grant and an earlier AU$52 million agreement aimed at promoting space technology in Australia. These investments underscore the government’s commitment to fostering innovation and growth in the nation’s burgeoning space industry.
While the launch did not achieve its primary objective of reaching orbit, it represents a significant milestone in Australia’s space capabilities. The data gathered from this mission will be invaluable in refining future launches, with plans for subsequent flights already underway. The success of this endeavour is expected to inspire further investment and interest in Australia’s space sector, paving the way for future achievements in space exploration.
