In a significant moment for Australia’s growing space industry, private company Gilmour Space Technologies launched its first orbital rocket, Eris, from the Bowen Orbital Spaceport in coastal Queensland on Wednesday. While the flight ended early, the company celebrated the event as a major accomplishment and emphasized the valuable data collected during the brief ascent. This first launch marks an important step forward in Australia’s independent space capabilities.
It should be highlighted that the Eris rocket, which is 25 meters tall and designed as a three-stage launch vehicle, lifted off around 4:05 AM IST. The initial observations indicated that the rocket cleared the planned launchpads. Yet, just seconds after liftoff, the vehicle veered off course and crashed approximately 14 seconds into its flight. With the given information, it can be said that, despite the short flight duration, Gilmour Space was pleased with the outcome, noting that key objectives for a test launch were achieved at the moment.
A statement from Gilmour Space on X (formerly Twitter) confirmed the event, saying, “Today, Eris became the first #AustralianMade orbital rocket to launch from Australian soil, ~14s of flight, 23s engine burn. Big step for Australia’s launch capability. Team safe, data in hand, eyes on TestFlight 2.” The company also shared a video of the liftoff, stating, “Liftoff completed, launch tower cleared, stage 1 tested. Awesome result for a first test launch.”
In an official press release, Gilmour Space discussed the mission’s successes. The company noted that the flight software worked as expected, the launch sequence was carried out safely, and the launch infrastructure remained intact. These factors were among the main goals for this initial mission. This approach reflects their priority on data collection over immediate success in reaching orbit.
The Eris launch vehicle is designed to carry payloads of up to 305 kg to 500 km equatorial orbits, and Glamour Space has expressed its goal of conducting its first mission to low-Earth orbit within this year. The company’s innovative hybrid propulsion technology, which combines solid fuel with a liquid oxidizer, aims to provide a safer and more cost-effective option than traditional liquid or solid propellant systems.
It should be highlighted that, although this event did not result in orbital insertion, it places Australia firmly on the global stage among spacefaring nations. Moreover, it could be brought into the light that the insights gathered from Eris’s brief flight are expected to play a crucial role in enhancing the rocket’s design and operational procedures for future missions. Furthermore, Gilmour Space’s unwavering commitment to advancing Australia’s autonomous space launch capabilities through “TestFlight 2” could pave the way for future commercial and scientific missions into low-Earth orbit
