Australia’s First Homegrown Orbital Rocket Prepares for Rescheduled Launch

Australia is set to make space history as Gilmour Space Technologies prepares for the rescheduled launch of the nation’s first-ever homegrown orbital rocket, the Eris. The launch window has now been reset to begin no earlier than July 2, following a technical issue that forced a delay in May.

The initial attempt was called off after a malfunction during final countdown checks caused the rocket's payload fairing—its protective nose cone—to detach prematurely. Fortunately, the incident resulted in no damage to the vehicle or the Bowen Orbital Spaceport.

Gilmour Space, based in Queensland, has since corrected the issue, installed replacement components, and completed rigorous system checks. The company has also implemented additional safety protocols to avoid any recurrence of the problem.

The Eris rocket, standing approximately 25 meters tall, is a three-stage launch vehicle designed to place small satellites into low Earth orbit. Onboard this historic flight will be a research satellite and a symbolic jar of Vegemite—a nod to Australian culture.

The mission, known as TestFlight 1, represents a major milestone in Australia’s ambitions to become a key player in the global space industry. If successful, the launch will mark the first orbital flight from Australian soil in over 50 years and position the country among a select group of nations with independent launch capabilities.


CEO Adam Gilmour emphasized that while the rocket is ready, weather remains a critical factor. Upper-level wind conditions could delay the launch further, and the company has advised the public that the launch window may stretch over several days.

“This is a first-of-its-kind mission for Australia. We’re fully prepared, but as with any maiden launch, patience is key. It could happen quickly—or take a couple of weeks depending on the conditions,” Gilmour said.

The launch will be visible from several coastal areas around Bowen, including Grays and Queens Beaches, as well as select public viewing areas. However, the company has urged people to follow safety instructions and updates from local authorities before planning any on-site viewing.

This historic flight could usher in a new era for Australia’s space sector, paving the way for more commercial launches, advanced satellite technologies, and national space capability development in the years to come.


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