Gilmour Space Technologies, an Australian aerospace company based in Queensland, has been at the forefront of the nation’s ambitions to establish a sovereign space launch capability. Currently the company is navigating a critical phase in its journey to launch Australia’s first domestically developed orbital rocket, the Eris Block 1, from its private Bowen Orbital Spaceport in Abbot Point, North Queensland. Despite facing technical and environmental challenges, Gilmour Space remains steadfast in its mission to revolutionize access to space for small satellites. This article provides an overview of the company’s recent developments, current status, and future prospects based on the latest available information.
Gilmour Space has been working toward the maiden flight of its Eris Block 1 rocket, a hybrid-propellant launch vehicle designed to deliver small satellites into low Earth orbit. The company initially secured approval from the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) for a launch window opening on May 15, 2025. However, the first attempt was scrubbed due to a series of setbacks. A ground support system issue caused a 24-hour delay, followed by a more significant problem with the payload fairing, where explosive bolts fired prematurely during pre-flight checks due to a technical fault in the pressurization system. Gilmour Space promptly initiated a thorough investigation, attributing the issue to a procedural error rather than a flaw in the system itself, and a replacement nose cone was dispatched from their Gold Coast factory. The company expressed optimism about returning the Eris rocket to the launch pad by June 2025.
However, as of June 27, 2025, Gilmour Space has not achieved a successful launch. Recent updates indicate that weather conditions, particularly unfavorable winds, have further delayed pre-launch preparations. A new launch window is set for no earlier than (NET) July 2, 2025, pending resolution of weather and technical challenges. The company has completed fixes to the fairing issue and issued regulatory notifications, but the narrow window is contingent on cooperative weather and successful final testing. Adam Gilmour, the company’s CEO, emphasized their determination to persist until the rocket is successfully launched, stating, “We’ll keep going until it’s off the pad.”
Founded in 2012, Gilmour Space Technologies is a venture-funded company focused on developing cost-effective launch solutions for the growing small satellite market. The Eris rocket, unveiled by Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese as the nation’s first sovereign orbital rocket, represents a significant milestone in Australia’s space industry. The company’s broader portfolio includes the modular G-Sat small satellite bus/platform and plans for a ride-sharing service to maximize payload flexibility. Gilmour Space also has long-term ambitions to scale up its Eris-class vehicles to accommodate larger satellites and payloads.
The company’s efforts are supported by significant partnerships and funding. In June 2022, Gilmour Space received a $52 million federal Modern Manufacturing Initiative Collaboration grant to establish the Australian Space Manufacturing Network (ASMN). Additionally, past collaborations include a 2018 Space Act Agreement with NASA (since lapsed) for research and testing, and a 2019 statement of strategic intent with the Australian Space Agency, underscoring its role in advancing Australia’s space capabilities.
More recently, Gilmour Space’s Elara Sat platform was selected for a demonstration mission to provide methane and carbon emission insights from space, highlighting the company’s growing influence in both launch services and satellite technology.
Gilmour Space is in the final stages of preparing for its next launch attempt, now targeted for NET July 2, 2025. The company has addressed the technical issues that disrupted its May launch window and is actively monitoring weather conditions to ensure a safe and successful liftoff. The Bowen Orbital Spaceport, a key asset, positions Gilmour Space as a pioneer in Australia’s emerging space infrastructure. The company’s persistence in overcoming licensing delays, technical anomalies, and environmental challenges reflects its commitment to establishing a reliable launch cadence.
Public and industry sentiment remains optimistic about Gilmour Space’s prospects. Commentators have expressed excitement about the upcoming launch attempt, with some noting the significance of Australia joining the global space race. However, the repeated delays underscore the complexity of orbital launches and the challenges faced by a relatively new player in the aerospace sector.
Looking ahead, a successful Eris Block 1 launch would mark a historic achievement for Gilmour Space and Australia’s space industry. It would validate the company’s hybrid-propellant technology and pave the way for expanded commercial operations, including ride-sharing services and larger Eris-class vehicles. The company’s focus on sustainability, as evidenced by the Elara Sat mission, also positions it to contribute to global efforts in environmental monitoring from space.
