Australia’s Space Race Heats Up: Gilmour Space Aims to Rival SpaceX with Historic Launch
Australia is on the cusp of a potential space revolution as Gilmour Space Technologies prepares for the maiden test flight of its Eris orbital launch vehicle. This launch, targeted for no earlier than May 15, 2025, marks a significant milestone as the first Australian-made rocket aiming for orbit from Australian soil. The event is not just a local affair; it signals a potential shift in the global space landscape, with some suggesting Gilmour Space could become a rival to industry giants like SpaceX.
The Eris rocket, a 23-metre tall, 34-tonne vehicle, is designed to carry payloads of up to 300 kilograms into Low Earth Orbit. This ambitious project is powered by a unique hybrid propulsion system, the culmination of nearly a decade of development by the Gilmour brothers, who founded the company in 2015.
Adding to the excitement, Rocket Lab, another Antipodean-born space launch company, plans to launch its Electron rocket just days later, on May 18, from their spaceport in New Zealand. This close proximity of launches highlights the burgeoning space activity in the region.
While Gilmour Space CEO Adam Gilmour has tempered expectations for a successful first orbital attempt, emphasizing the importance of data collection during the launch, the event remains a pivotal moment. Gilmour noted, "Every successful rocket company has faced setbacks in their early attempts. SpaceX made it on their fourth attempt."
Gilmour Space has overcome multiple milestones on their journey to this point. These include, launching Australia’s first privately developed hybrid rocket, securing a contract to launch a spacecraft for Space Machines Company, a launch agreement with Commercial Space Technologies Ltd offering payload capacity on Eris Block 1, the unveiling of the Eris rocket as Australia’s first locally ddeveloped orbital launch vehicle and receiving the nation’s first orbital launch permit.
The Australian Space Agency (ASA), responsible for licensing space launches, has faced criticism for its slow approvals process. Adam Gilmour himself expressed frustration earlier this year, suggesting that Elon Musk would have gone bankrupt if subjected to the same delays. The ASA defends its process, citing the complexity of first-of-type orbital launches.
Located at the Bowen Orbital Spaceport in North Queensland, the launch site is Australia's first licensed commercial orbital spaceport, supported by the Juru traditional owners and hailed as a bridge from “Country to Sky”. This historic event will garner global attention and is a testament to the growing capabilities of the Australian space industry.
Will Gilmour Space succeed in its first attempt to reach orbit? Can they truly challenge the dominance of players like SpaceX? Time will tell. Share your thoughts and predictions in the comments below!
