Australia set to make history with first-ever homegrown rocket launch after explosive delays
The first Australian-made, Australian-launched rocket is set for takeoff in just a week.
Gilmour Space Technologies, a privately-owned aerospace company based on Australia's Gold Coast, has confirmed it is targeting July 1–3 for the launch of the first entirely Australian-made and launched orbital rocket.
The 25-metre tall, three-stage rocket called Eris will lift off from the Bowen Orbital Spaceport, about 150 kilometres southeast of Townsville.
'We have done a full test again of the vehicle just to be safe,' said CEO Adam Gilmour, who has personally led the project through years of challenges. 'I'm kind of almost sick of this rocket,' he admitted to 7News, reflecting the fatigue and emotional strain after repeated delays.
This will be Gilmour's second attempt to reach orbit. The first launch was aborted in May after the rocket's nose cone, a part that protects the payload during flight, accidentally opened just 30 minutes before takeoff. Before that, other technical glitches had halted progress.
Upper-level winds are the biggest environmental challenge now facing the 25-metre, three-stage Eris rocket.Still, the team didn't give up. Engineers worked around the clock, retesting the rocket systems and addressing vulnerabilities. Now, all eyes are on the weather, particularly upper-level winds, which recently delayed a SpaceX rocket carrying a Gilmour-designed satellite.'That launch was delayed three days because of upper-level winds, and we're seeing the same high winds here as well,' Gilmour said.Unlike major international launches, this one isn't carrying a commercial payload. Instead, a small camera and a jar of Vegemite, Australia's iconic yeast spread, will ride into space as a lighthearted symbol of national pride.With this launch, Gilmour Space aims to become a reliable, sovereign launch provider, eventually sending satellites for environmental monitoring, communications, and even defense purposes.
Founded in 2013 by Adam and his brother James Gilmour, the company has grown into one of the most promising players in the global space industry. The team behind Eris comprises more than 200 employees, supported by 300 local suppliers, investors, and the Australian Space Agency, which provided final launch approval in May. With this mission, Australia could join a small elite club of countries capable of launching rockets to orbit from their soil.
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