Gilmour Space Set to Make History: Australia’s First Orbital Launch in 50 Years
Gilmour Space Technologies is on the cusp of a historic moment, poised to conduct Australia's first orbital launch in over half a century. The company's Eris rocket is scheduled for its maiden test flight from the Bowen Orbital Spaceport in northern Queensland, potentially as early as May 15. This event could mark a significant step for the Australian space industry, potentially positioning Gilmour Space as a rival to established players like Elon Musk's SpaceX.
The Australian Space Agency has granted final clearance for the launch, following approval from the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA). This marks the culmination of years of planning and development, overcoming earlier setbacks due to Tropical Cyclone Alfred and documentation delays.
According to Gilmour Space founder and CEO Adam Gilmour, the team is aiming for a Thursday morning launch, weather permitting. Key pre-flight checks are underway, including testing the rocket's avionics and electrical systems. More than 50 Gilmour Space personnel have traveled to Bowen to prepare for the launch.
"We're still shooting for a Thursday morning, but it's mainly going to be dependent on the wind. We've been luck as we've come up here that we've got four days of pretty good weather, we think," Gilmour said to InnovationAus.com.
The 25-meter Eris rocket is a three-stage vehicle. The first two stages are powered by hybrid rocket engines, while the final stage utilizes a 3D printed liquid rocket engine. The Eris TestFlight 1 is the first in a series of planned test flights aimed at reaching orbit. Gilmour Space is already working on a second Eris rocket, incorporating lessons learned from the inaugural launch.
Adam Gilmour estimates a 55-60% chance of the rocket successfully lifting off the launch pad. "If we get off the pad that's a good sign of a decent amount of engine time," he noted.
The company anticipates the most critical moment to be around 70 seconds into the flight, reaching Max Q – the point of peak dynamic pressure and mechanical stress on the rocket. Successfully navigating this stage would significantly increase the chances of a successful mission.
Getting to this point has been a challenging journey for Gilmour Space. The company received its launch permit last November, marking the first-ever permit issued by the Australian Space Agency for a sovereign launch vehicle. Prior to that, Gilmour Space completed a key wet dress rehearsal in September 2024, bringing the launch vehicle to T-10 seconds before launch.
The impending launch represents not just a technological feat for Gilmour Space, but also a potential boon for Australia's standing in the global space race. Can Gilmour Space successfully execute this landmark launch, ushering in a new era for Australian space exploration? What impact will this have on the future of commercial spaceflight in the region?
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