Space Industry and Business News
ROCKET SCIENCE
Eris rocket debut signals new chapter for Australia's launch ambitions
illustration only
Eris rocket debut signals new chapter for Australia's launch ambitions
by Simon Mansfield
Sydney, Australia (SPX) Jul 30, 2025

Gilmour Space Technologies has conducted the inaugural test launch of Eris, Australia's first domestically developed orbital rocket, marking a pivotal moment in the nation's path toward sovereign space access and small satellite launch services.

The 23-meter-tall, 30-tonne Eris rocket utilized innovative hybrid propulsion to lift off from the Bowen Orbital Spaceport in North Queensland, achieving approximately 14 seconds of flight before an early termination. Despite the brief duration, the mission verified key systems and infrastructure developed by Gilmour Space.

"Space is hard," stated CEO Adam Gilmour. "SpaceX, Rocket Lab and others needed multiple test flights to reach orbit. We've learned a tremendous amount that will go directly into improving our next vehicle, which is already in production."

He added, "Getting off the pad and into flight is a huge step forward for any new rocket program. This was the first real test of our rocket systems, our propulsion technology, and our spaceport - and it proved that much of what we've built works."

The launch proceeded safely, with no injuries or environmental impact reported. Gilmour emphasized the broader implications: "Only six nations currently launch to orbit regularly - and just a handful are developing sovereign capability to join them. We've now taken a big step toward joining that group."

The TestFlight 1 campaign marked several national firsts: the first integrated launch of a fully Australian-built orbital-class rocket, and the first use of a licensed commercial orbital spaceport in the country. All core systems - including propulsion, avionics, software, and infrastructure - were designed and manufactured by Gilmour Space using a lean budget compared to international peers.

"Clearing the tower was a major milestone for our team. It showed that Australia can design, build, and launch rockets right here at home," Gilmour said.

The campaign required coordination with multiple regulatory and operational agencies, including the Australian Space Agency, CASA, Airservices Australia, and maritime authorities. Gilmour Space noted that data from ignition, lift-off, thrust generation, and telemetry systems validated the performance of critical components up to the flight anomaly. Engineers are now analyzing data to determine the cause and apply insights to the next rocket, already under construction.

Supported by a team of over 200 staff and 500 Australian suppliers, the mission highlights national momentum in space innovation. Gilmour Space aims to launch again in the coming months, advancing its goal to offer affordable and flexible launch options to meet rising global demand.

"Every test, especially the first, is a learning opportunity," said Gilmour. "Congratulations to our talented team for getting us this far. Onward to TestFlight 2."

Related Links
Gilmour Space Technologies
Rocket Science News at Space-Travel.Com

Subscribe Free To Our Daily Newsletters
Tweet

RELATED CONTENT
The following news reports may link to other Space Media Network websites.
ROCKET SCIENCE
7 Must-Read Astronautics Books for Future Aerospace Engineers
Los Angeles CA (SPX) Jul 23, 2025
Astronautical engineering is the branch of aerospace engineering that focuses on designing and developing the science of space exploration. However, its value does not start with rockets and satellites-it begins with concepts, words, and numbers. It starts with books. ... read more

ROCKET SCIENCE
Expanded KSAT AWS Alliance Redefines Satellite Ground Communication Services

Bearings Used in Space Technologies: Engineering for the Final Frontier

How to Master Terraria: Essential Tips from a Pro Player

York launches BARD satellite to advance real time intersatellite communications

ROCKET SCIENCE
GovSat selects Thales Alenia Space to build secure satellite for military communications

SES and Luxembourg to expand military satcom with next generation GovSat2

ALLSPACE to Develop 5G NTN Satcom Integration with ESA Funding

Quantum Secure Space Tech Partnership Launched by Space TS and Synergy Quantum

ROCKET SCIENCE
ROCKET SCIENCE
Galileo enhances security edge with new authentication service led by GMV

Bridges gain new voice through real time GNSS monitoring of structural behavior

ESA and Neuraspace develop autonomous satellite navigation technologies

Bogong moths rely on stars and magnetic fields to guide epic migrations

ROCKET SCIENCE
US Army helicopter in deadly Washington crash had technical issues

Navy F-35 jet crashes in California

At least two dead in German military helicopter crash

Heathrow unveils expansion plan for third runway

ROCKET SCIENCE
Nvidia says no 'backdoors' in chips as China questions security

China summons chip giant Nvidia over alleged security risks

Samsung quarterly operating profits plunge as US curbs chip exports to China

SK hynix posts record profits on surging AI demand

ROCKET SCIENCE
Spire to Provide ESA with Satellite Weather Data for European Research

Cosmic dust particles reveal snapshot of Earth's ancient air

China launches remote sensing satellite for Pakistan using Kuaizhou rocket

NASA teams with India to launch Earth-tracking satellite

ROCKET SCIENCE
Hong Kong harbour protection group dissolves

New push to reach plastic pollution pact

Taiwan's garbage trucks offer classical music and a catch-up

UK water pollution alarms summer bathers

Subscribe Free To Our Daily Newsletters




The content herein, unless otherwise known to be public domain, are Copyright 1995-2024 - Space Media Network. All websites are published in Australia and are solely subject to Australian law and governed by Fair Use principals for news reporting and research purposes. AFP, UPI and IANS news wire stories are copyright Agence France-Presse, United Press International and Indo-Asia News Service. ESA news reports are copyright European Space Agency. All NASA sourced material is public domain. Additional copyrights may apply in whole or part to other bona fide parties. All articles labeled "by Staff Writers" include reports supplied to Space Media Network by industry news wires, PR agencies, corporate press officers and the like. Such articles are individually curated and edited by Space Media Network staff on the basis of the report's information value to our industry and professional readership. Advertising does not imply endorsement, agreement or approval of any opinions, statements or information provided by Space Media Network on any Web page published or hosted by Space Media Network. General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) Statement Our advertisers use various cookies and the like to deliver the best ad banner available at one time. All network advertising suppliers have GDPR policies (Legitimate Interest) that conform with EU regulations for data collection. By using our websites you consent to cookie based advertising. If you do not agree with this then you must stop using the websites from May 25, 2018. Privacy Statement. Additional information can be found here at About Us.