In a milestone for the nation’s space industry, Gilmour Space Technologies has attempted the first launch of an Australian made rocket into orbit from Australian soil.
The Eris Test Flight 1 took place at Gilmour’s Bowen Orbital Spaceport at Abbot Point in North Queensland this morning. The rocket lifted off the launchpad briefly, before coming down within the safety area.
Gilmour is now regrouping and will take the lessons from today’s first attempt to inform their future efforts.
Standing at 23-metres, Eris is a three-stage orbital rocket that can transport small satellites and other payloads of up to 300 kilograms to space.
Gilmour is aiming to become a leading launch provider for commercial and government customers from around the globe.
The space firm made history in March last year when the Australian Government granted it the first orbital Launch Facility License for its Bowen Orbital Spaceport. The company was granted the first Australian Launch Permit for Eris Test Flight 1 in November.
Today’s launch attempt comes after the Australian Government recently invested $5 million into the ongoing development of the Eris rocket's engine through the Industry Growth Program.
Senator the Hon Tim Ayres, Minister for Industry and Innovation and Minister for Science, issued a media release recognising this achievement.
“Gilmour is embracing a Future Made in Australia – knitting together the best of our advanced manufacturing capability, with our science and critical technologies know-how.
“The confidence gained, and lessons learned will advance Gilmour and the space ecosystem. They can now build off this and continue to innovate – driving new opportunities that will help our economy to grow and create more high-paying, skilled jobs.
“With strong foundations in science and research, and the right economic settings, Australian companies can push boundaries. Our government is committed to building confidence so more Australians back bold, industrial missions like this.
~ Minister for Industry and Innovation and Minister for Science Tim Ayres.
An achievement for the nation's space sector
Head of the Australian Space Agency Enrico Palermo expressed that Gilmour is an example of the entrepreneurial spirit, innovation, and collaborative approach that define our sector.
“Congratulations to the Gilmour team on today’s achievement.
"It is rare for first launches to reach orbit. That is part of the innovation cycle and why you test. We look forward to the next phases of the test program.”
~ Head of the Australian Space Agency Enrico Palermo.
A culmination of years of effort
The Test Flight 1 mission represents the culmination of years of effort by a team of more than 200 people, over 500 Australian suppliers, and strong support from government and industry. It is the next step in Gilmour's mission to provide low-cost, responsive launch services for small satellites — a capability in growing demand globally.
Gilmour coordinated with the Australian Space Agency and its Office of the Space Regulator, Civil Aviation Safety Authority, Air Services Australia, Maritime authorities, and other Australian agencies.
"We've learned a tremendous amount that will go directly into improving our next vehicle, which is already in production.
"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."
~ Adam Gilmour, CEO of Gilmour Space Technologies.
Fast facts
Learn more about the Aussie made rocket and its maiden mission.
The launch site, Bowen Orbital Spaceport, is the first licensed commercial orbital launch facility in Australia. It can provide access to 20- to 65-degree (low to mid) inclination Low Earth Orbits.
The spaceport is located within the Abbot Point State Development Area in Queensland and has the blessings from the Juru traditional owners in Bowen to 'bridge Country to Sky'.
Eris was developed almost entirely in-house — including propulsion, structures, avionics, software, and the spaceport itself.
Initial data of Eris Test Flight 1 confirms that key systems performed well until the anomaly, including ignition, liftoff, first-stage thrust, range tracking and telemetry.
Gilmour is now reviewing flight data to understand the cause of the anomaly that led to early termination, with lessons already being applied to the next vehicle, which is in production.
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All images were supplied by Gilmour Space Technologies.