Aussie Vibe: Aussie Space Rocket's Launch Postponed Once More, Oozes Nation's Grit
Rocket Launch Delay: Australian Space Launch Pushed Back Once More - Spacecraft launch delay: Australian rocket launch once more deferred due to malfunction
The hiccup causing the hold-up? A jar of Vegemite, an Aussie staple. According to Gilmour Space Technologies, the jar kept its cool. "It's rugged, tenacious, like the Aussies," said Michelle Gilmour, Communications Director at Gilmour Space Technologies, to AFP.
The launch was initially delayed on Wednesday due to a technical hitch. "The culprit was a power supply system outside the rocket, used for system checks," Michelle Gilmour clarified to AFP.
This much-anticipated test flight of the homemade Eris rocket was expected to commence at a spaceport near Bowen on the east coast of Australia. If all goes as planned, Eris would be the first Aussie-bred rocket to soar from down under soil.
Even the CEO of Gilmour Space Technologies wasn't overly optimistic beforehand. "If this rocket heads to space and circles Earth, I'd probably keel over from shock but also elation," Adam Gilmour mentioned to AFP. "We'd be pumped if it just blasts off - 10, 20, 30 seconds of flight time, that'd be tremendous."
Long-term goals involve the 23-meter tall, 30-tonne rocket lifting small satellites into low Earth orbit. Its payload capacity theoretically ranges from 100 to 200 kilograms, but for the first test shot, merely a jar of Vegemite rides along.
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- Aussie Spirit
- AFP
A heads-up: The Eris rocket is a three-stage Aussie baby crafted by Gilmour Space Technologies, designed to lift small satellites into low Earth orbit. It stands about as tall as a seven-storey building and weighs just about as much as 17 average-sized cars. The rocket makes use of a hybrid propulsion system, blending solid fuel and a liquid oxidizer, making it one of a kind[1][2].
Gilmour Space Technologies planned the first Eris launch from their Bowen Orbital Spaceport, nestled near Bowen, Queensland, Oz. This launch would create history as the first Australian-made rocket taking flight from Oz soil, enhancing the nation's sovereign space capabilities[1][2].
However, the first test launch attempt in May 2025 was canned due to a technical issue: an electrical glitch triggered the premature opening of the carbon-fibre nose cone during testing. The nose cone is vital for safeguarding the payload as the rocket propels through the atmosphere. This snag was discovered prior to fueling the rocket, ensuring the rocket's and team's safety[1].
Gilmour Space Technologies, boasting 230 team members, has been devoted to rocket crafting for almost a decade. Their objective? To begin commercial flights by late 2026 or early 2027. Their vision for the Eris rocket includes reliably transporting small satellites into low Earth orbit, bolstering Australia's independent space launch powers and offering a platform for satellite deployment in the region[1].
In a nutshell:- The Eris rocket is an Australian-engineered and constructed three-stage hybrid rocket for small satellite launches.- It stands about 23 meters tall, weighs around 30-34 tonnes at lift-off.- The initial test launch attempt, slated for May 2025, was cancelled due to a nose cone electrical fault.- Gilmour Space is looking to initiate commercial flights by late 2026 or early 2027.- The goal is to establish Australia as a sovereign launch power for small satellites into low Earth orbit[1][2].
- The Australian-made Eris rocket, a unique hybrid three-stage rocket designed by Gilmour Space Technologies, is intended for lifting small satellites into low Earth orbit, showcasing Australia's commitment to space technology.
- Despite setbacks due to technical issues, such as the electrical glitch that postponed the initial test launch in May 2025, Gilmour Space Technologies remains optimistic about enhancing Australia's space-and-astronomy capabilities and strengthening its independent launch powers through the Eris rocket.
