Gilmour Space secures historic Australian permit for Eris orbital launch test flight

Gilmour Space secures historic Australian permit for Eris orbital launch test flight
by Simon Mansfield
Sydney, Australia (SPX) Nov 05, 2024

Australia's first-ever orbital launch permit has been awarded to Gilmour Space Technologies, enabling the company to proceed with its Eris rocket's maiden flight from Bowen Orbital Spaceport in north Queensland. Granted by Minister for Industry and Science Ed Husic MP and the Australian Space Agency, the permit represents a landmark in Australia's space exploration capabilities.

The launch permit, a requirement under the Space (Launches and Returns) Act 2018, mandates that objects launched from Australia reaching altitudes above 100 kilometers comply with strict conditions, including a 30-day notification period before liftoff.

Adam Gilmour, CEO and co-founder of Gilmour Space, expressed enthusiasm about this advancement, describing it as a pivotal step for the Australian space industry. "With this green light, we will soon attempt the first orbital test flight of an Australian-made rocket from Australian soil," Gilmour stated. "Our team is assessing the conditions of the permit and will advise on the anticipated launch date for Eris TestFlight1 in the coming weeks."

The Bowen Orbital Spaceport, inaugurated in April following its official licensing in March, became Australia's first orbital launch facility. Gilmour Space successfully executed a critical wet dress rehearsal for the Eris rocket in September, progressing the vehicle to a T-10 second countdown as part of its pre-launch testing.

Eris TestFlight1 will serve as the first of multiple test missions aimed at achieving orbit with the Gold Coast-built rocket, which integrates advanced propulsion technologies developed by Gilmour Space.

Australia's Emerging Space Hub
Since beginning its rocket program in 2015, Gilmour Space has grown to employ over 200 people and fostered a domestic supply network of more than 300 Australian firms. Supported by local, state, and federal government initiatives, the company has also garnered strong community engagement across the region.

The Bowen spaceport, one of the few private orbital launch sites globally, initially supports launches to low- and mid-inclination orbits. With rockets and satellites designed on the Gold Coast and launched from north Queensland, Gilmour Space's efforts are fueling significant regional economic impact.

Whitsunday Regional Council Mayor Ry Collins celebrated the launch permit as a defining moment for Bowen and the Whitsundays. "The launch approval marks an incredible milestone for Bowen and the Whitsundays region," Collins noted. "The team at Gilmour Space have been fantastic to work with, and their commitment to engaging Bowen residents in this journey is a model of proactive community involvement. Success here isn't just about reaching orbit - it's about positioning Bowen as a key player in Australia's journey to space. This is just the beginning."

Gold Coast Mayor Tom Tate, recognizing Gilmour Space's evolution, reflected on the company's remarkable journey. "That's why we've invested in our Business Attraction and Expansion programs - to support businesses like Gilmour Space," Tate said. "This homegrown company is reinvesting in itself and in our city, creating high-value jobs and opportunities for the next generation of Gold Coast innovators. You certainly don't have to be a rocket scientist to live on the Gold Coast, but if you are, we've got a job here for you too!"