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Source: Gilmour Space Technologies
Gilmour Space Technologies, an Australian aerospace company, has been making steady strides toward launching the nation’s first homegrown orbital rocket. Based on the Gold Coast in Queensland, this venture-funded business has spent over a decade developing innovative rocket technology. Recently, the company shared news about its upcoming launch plans, marking a significant step for Australia’s growing space industry. This article provides a detailed look at Gilmour Space Technologies, its journey, and the latest updates on its much-anticipated launch.
The Beginnings of Gilmour Space
Founded in 2012 by brothers Adam and James Gilmour, the company started with a modest vision on Australia’s Gold Coast. Initially, it focused on building high-quality spaceflight simulators and replicas for educational exhibits. However, within a few years, the brothers shifted their attention to a bolder goal: designing and launching rockets to carry small satellites into space. By 2015, Gilmour Space had begun its rocket development program, setting the stage for its current work.
The company’s early efforts centered on hybrid rocket engines, which combine solid fuel with a liquid oxidizer. This approach offers a balance of simplicity and efficiency, making it well-suited for smaller launch vehicles. In 2016, Gilmour Space achieved a milestone by successfully launching a small test rocket called RASTA, powered by a hybrid engine with 3D-printed fuel—a world first. This early success laid the groundwork for bigger projects and caught the attention of investors.
Growth and Ambition
Over the years, Gilmour Space has grown from a small startup into a leader in Australia’s emerging space sector. The company secured funding from major investors, including Blackbird Ventures and Main Sequence Ventures, as well as international backers like Fine Structure Ventures. This financial support has fueled the development of its flagship rocket, Eris, designed to carry small satellites into low Earth orbit.
Gilmour Space also established partnerships that strengthened its position. In 2019, it signed an agreement with the Australian Space Agency to support the nation’s space goals. Additionally, the company received a substantial grant in 2022 from the federal government to help build a network for space manufacturing in Australia. These collaborations reflect Gilmour Space’s role in advancing the country’s capabilities beyond reliance on foreign space programs.
The company operates from its headquarters on the Gold Coast, where it designs and builds its rockets. It also constructed the Bowen Orbital Spaceport in North Queensland, which became Australia’s first commercial orbital launch site in March 2024. This facility, located near the town of Bowen, serves as the launchpad for the Eris rocket and represents a key piece of infrastructure for the company’s plans.
The Eris Rocket: A Closer Look
The Eris rocket stands at the heart of Gilmour Space’s efforts. This three-stage vehicle measures 25 meters tall and is built to lift payloads of up to 300 kilograms into low Earth orbit. The first stage uses four hybrid rocket engines, the second stage relies on a single hybrid engine, and the third stage features a liquid-fueled engine for precise orbital insertion. This design reflects years of testing and refinement, drawing on the company’s experience with hybrid propulsion.
Eris is intended to serve a perceived, but unproven, demand for small satellite launches, offering a cost-effective option for customers like universities, businesses, and government agencies. The rocket’s maiden flight, known as Test Flight 1, has been in the works for years. It promises to mark Australia’s first orbital launch using a domestically built rocket—a historic moment for the nation.
The journey to this point hasn’t been without challenges. In 2019, a suborbital test rocket called One Vision encountered an issue during launch preparations, caused by a faulty pressure regulator. The mission ended early, but the company used the experience to improve Eris’s design. Since then, Gilmour Space has conducted numerous engine tests, including a successful firing of a powerful hybrid engine, to ensure the rocket’s readiness.
Recent Announcements on the Upcoming Launch
In February 2025, Gilmour Space shared an update that has sparked excitement across Australia’s space community. The company announced a launch window for Test Flight 1, targeting a liftoff from the Bowen Orbital Spaceport no earlier than March 15, 2025. This follows years of preparation and several delays tied to regulatory approvals.
The path to this launch date has been complex. In November 2024, Gilmour Space received its orbital launch permit from the Australian Space Agency, a major hurdle cleared after months of waiting. The company then completed a full “wet” test of the Eris rocket in December 2024, loading it with propellants to simulate launch conditions. However, one final approval from the Civil Aviation Safety Authority, which oversees airspace safety, remained pending as of early 2025. With that approval now reportedly in hand, the March 15 window represents the next opportunity.
Weather and technical factors could still adjust the exact date, but Gilmour Space is moving forward with final preparations. The rocket will carry a small payload into orbit, demonstrating its capabilities and opening the door to future commercial missions. For the town of Bowen, the launch is expected to draw visitors, boosting local businesses eager to welcome space enthusiasts.
What the Launch Means for Australia
The upcoming flight of Eris carries weight beyond Gilmour Space itself. For Australia, it signals a shift from relying on foreign rockets to building its own space presence. The country has historically depended on allies like the United States for access to orbit, but companies like Gilmour Space are changing that dynamic. A successful launch would position Australia as a contributor to the global space economy, which continues to expand with the rise of small satellites for communication, research, and monitoring.
Gilmour Space also plans to offer launch services to international customers, alongside a rideshare program where multiple satellites share a single rocket. This could attract business from around the world, strengthening Australia’s foothold in the industry. Looking ahead, the company has ideas for larger Eris rockets and even crewed missions, though those remain distant goals.
Challenges and Next Steps
Launching a rocket is no small task, and Gilmour Space has faced its share of obstacles. Regulatory delays have pushed back timelines, with the company originally hoping to launch in 2024. The process of securing environmental, safety, and airspace approvals has been lengthy, reflecting the strict standards for spaceflight. Technical hurdles, like the 2019 anomaly, have also required patience and problem-solving.
After the March launch window, Gilmour Space will assess the results of Test Flight 1. A successful mission would pave the way for regular launches, while any issues could mean further refinements. The company’s focus remains on proving Eris’s reliability and building a track record to attract customers.
Summary
Gilmour Space Technologies stands on the brink of a defining moment with its planned launch of the Eris rocket in March 2025. From its early days crafting simulators to its current role as a trailblazer in Australia’s space industry, the company has shown determination and ingenuity. The upcoming Test Flight 1, set to lift off from the Bowen Orbital Spaceport, represents years of hard work and positions Australia as an emerging player in space exploration. As preparations continue, the nation watches with anticipation, ready to see its first homegrown rocket reach orbit.
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