Eris TestFlight1 will lift off from Abbott Point in Queensland no earlier than mid-January, marking the first orbital launch attempt of an Australian-made rocket since the 1970s.
The Bowen Orbital Spaceport in North Queensland will make history over the next month. Located an hour north of Airlie Beach and two hours south of Townsville, the facility will be ground zero for the first Australian orbital launch in half a century.
The mission is also historic because the Gilmour Space designed and manufactured rocket is the first sovereign-made vehicle that can launch satellites into orbit.
“We won’t have a customer payload on TestFlight1,” founder Adam Gilmour tells Forbes Australia. “Our goal is to collect as much data as we can from this test to ensure that our next launches will be successful… But we do have a USB device in there with messages from our team, who’ve been working hard for many years to get us here. And of course, some on-board cameras to capture the key moments during the launch if we can manage it.”
The Eris Block 1 rocket uses proprietary hybrid rocket technology, according to the company. There will be payloads on-board future launches.
“Gilmour Space is more than just a rocket company, but we are seeing a lot of launch interest from small sat operators and payload developers in Australia and around the world. There are just not enough opportunities to get to space right now, and everyone’s waiting impatiently for us to launch,” says Gilmour.
After protracted delays, the Australian government approved the launch permit in November. Bowen opened in April this year and is one of the only privately-owned launch facilities in the world. It is designed to facilitate low-and-mid-inclination orbits.
“Our team is still working through final testing and verification activities, and coordinating necessary arrangements with regulators such as CASA. With holidays approaching, a January launch will also give the team and our valued stakeholders a well-deserved break… and an extended window for our maiden launch,” a statement from Gilmour Space reads.
Gilmour Space is a proponent of developing facilities for launch locally, rather than relying on US launches.
“We’re big fans of SpaceX, but the reality is, there’s a massive bottleneck for launch right now… and customers (whether in satellites/downstream data/returns/in-orbit/deep space exploration) simply need more options to get to space,” Gilmour Space said in a statement.
To the stars: Queensland’s burgeoning space industry
Now known as Australia’s ‘Space Coast,’ the Bowen spaceport and burgeoning space industry has provided increased economic activity for the region.
“Success here isn’t just about reaching orbit—it’s about positioning Bowen as a key player in Australia’s journey to space. The launch approval marks an incredible milestone for Bowen and the Whitsundays region. This is just the beginning,” says Ry Collins, Whitsunday Regional Council Mayor.
Gilmour Space employees 200 people and has more than 300 Aussie companies in its local supply chain. The rocket program was launched in 2015 by brothers Adam and James Gilmour.
“This homegrown company is reinvesting in itself and in our city, creating high-value jobs and opportunities for the next generation of Gold Coast innovators,” says Gold Coast mayor Tom Tate. “You certainly don’t have to be a rocket scientist to live on the Gold Coast, but if you are, we’ve got a job here for you too!”
What you need to know
Viewing: Gilmour Space has shared a list of possible viewing spots online, but they’re encouraging people to hold off for now. With delays or scrubs likely—thanks to weather or technical tweaks— it says future launches will be a better bet for spectators.
Livestream: There won’t be a livestream for this first launch as Gilmour Space says it is focused on getting everything right. A recorded video of the event will be made available shortly afterward.
Safety Zones: Indicative safety zones can be found at gspace.com/missions.
Look back on the week that was with hand-picked articles from Australia and around the world. Sign up to the Forbes Australia newsletter here or become a member here.
