Gilmour Space Technologies has received $5 million from the Australian Government for its Eris launch vehicle — the nation's first commercial orbital rocket.
The investment was made under the government's Industry Growth Program to accelerate the development of Eris' next generation liquid rocket engine.
The news comes in the lead up to Gilmour's historic maiden launch attempt of Eris, scheduled for Monday 28 July from the Bowen Orbital Spaceport, Queensland.
Strengthening Aussie space ingenuity
The Industry Growth Program aims to help Australian start‑ups and small businesses commercialise and grow their companies.
The funding advances the development of Gilmour’s Eris rocket, which is powered by cutting-edge propulsion and fluid engineering. Eris can launch commercial and defence payloads, satellites, and other spacecrafts into orbit.
In December last year, Myriota, a South Australian-based satellite telecommunications company, received $25 million through the National Reconstruction Fund, which is another Australian Government funding stream space companies can apply to.
Myriota’s satellite-based IoT network technology is used to gather field intelligence through sensors in applications ranging from AgriTech to mining to industrial monitoring. The investment will see Myriota improve connectivity in remote locations that are outside of traditional internet coverage areas.
Backing the sector
Learn more about the Australian Government grants and support available for the space sector through the national capability-build programs.
First commercial orbital launch expected
Gilmour Space Technologies announced that Eris Test Flight 1 will be launched next week.
The company is targeting Monday 28 July for the launch attempt.
This will be the first Australian-made rocket to attempt to reach orbit, and the country's first orbital launch in over 50 years.
Last year, the Australian Government authorised Gilmour to launch its launch vehicle from the Bowen Orbital Spaceport at Abbot Point, Queensland.
Industry showcase
Australian space innovations making an impact.
Main image caption: Australian Prime Minister the Hon Anthony Albanese along with Adam Gilmour, Founder and CEO of Gilmour Space Technologies, during a visit to Gilmour's Gold Coast headquarters in 2023.