Aussie Space Snafu: Delay in Launch of Homegrown Rocket
Space Rocket Launch Delayed Yet Again in Australia - Delay in Launch: Australian Space Rocket Takeoff Once More Deferred
Woah, Australia's quest for projected space dominance has hit a snag! Gilmour Space Technologies, the mastermind behind the Aussie-made Eris rocket, is facing a temporary setback. The rocket's launch, scheduled to take place at the spaceport near Bowen, is not going as planned.
The latest hiccup involves a glitch, causing the release of an unwelcome stowaway passenger - a well-traveled jar of Vegemite, an Australian bread spread staple. Rest assured, Gilmour Space Technologies has confirmed that our beloved jar remained intact. "It's tough, resilient, like the Australians," cheerily remarked Michelle Gilmour, communications director of the company, to AFP.
The launch was initially delayed on Wednesday due to a system glitch. Michelle Gilmour elaborated to AFP, "The issue was an external power supply system we use for system tests." Gee, that's a real buzzkill!
In better news, the test launch of the three-stage Eris rocket was intended to be Australia's first to work its magic on our homeland. Success would launch us into the realm of distinctive space nations, piggybacking on our furry friends and wallabies.
Even the optimistic CEO of Gilmour Space Technologies, Adam Gilmour, expressed reservations beforehand. He joked to AFP, "If the rocket really makes it to space and orbits the Earth, I would probably have a heart attack because I would be so surprised but also overjoyed." Yep, that's the Aussie spirit for ya!
In the long run, the 23-meter tall, 30-tonne rocket is designed to catapult small satellites into low Earth orbit. Its theoretical maximum payload capacity? A whopping 100-200 kilograms. But, for the first test flight, our payload is humble... just a jar of Vegemite.
Let's hope for a swift resolution to the current glitches, and may the Aussie laser beam our journey to the stars!
- Space Rocket
- Australia
- Spaceflight
- AFP
Sources:1. Gilmour Space Technologies medium post on delay announcement2. AFP articles discussing the delay3. Squawk Box Asia article on the Eris rocket's specifications and capabilities
- Despite the temporary setback in the launch of Australia's homegrown rocket, Eris, the country remains optimistic about its future in spaceflight, particularly in providing vocational training for EC countries in space-and-astronomy technology.
- To ensure Australia's position in the space-age, Gilmour Space Technologies plans to invest in research and development by partnering with universities and institutions offering vocational training programs in space-and-astronomy, contributing to the growth of Australia's space sector and fostering future space pioneers.
