Australia’s first attempt to launch a home-grown orbital rocket ended in failure. The rocket named ‘Eris’, developed by Gilmour Space Technologies, crashed just 14 seconds after launch. The launch took place from a private spaceport near Bowen, Northern Queensland.
Key Highlights
| Feature | Details |
| Rocket Name | Eris |
| Developed By | Gilmour Space Technologies |
| Height | 23 metres (75 feet) |
| Mission Objective | First Australian-designed and built orbital rocket to carry small satellites to space |
| Outcome | Rocket crashed 14 seconds after liftoff—failed to reach orbit |
| Flight Details | Rocket cleared launch tower, achieved 23 seconds engine burn, but failed mid-air |
| Government Support | Received AUD 5 million grant (2024) + AUD 52 million grant (2023) from Federal Government |
Significance of Launch
- First-ever orbital launch attempt using indigenous Australian space technology.
- First such attempt in over 50 years from Australian soil.
- Previously, Australia had only two successful orbital launches, but neither used a fully Australian-built launch vehicle.
About Gilmour Space Technologies
| Aspect | Details |
| Headquarters | Queensland, Australia |
| Specialization | Hybrid propulsion rockets for small satellite deployment |
| Key Mission | Develop cost-effective, eco-friendly launch systems |
| Private Funding | Backed by private investors and government grants |
| Vision | To make Australia a competitive player in the global commercial space race |
Australia’s Space Efforts
| Area | Details |
| Space Agency | Australian Space Agency (ASA) – established in 2018 |
| Focus Areas | Satellite technology, commercial launches, space research, and Earth observation |
| Spaceport Locations | Bowen (QLD), Southern Launch (South Australia), Arnhem Space Centre (Northern Territory) |
| Past Launch History | Hundreds of suborbital launches, but only two successful orbital launches from soil |
| Global Context | Australia is working to build sovereign capability in space launch and tech development |
Implications and Way Forward
- Despite the failure, the launch is a technological milestone for Australia’s domestic space sector.
- It reflects growing private-sector participation in global space tech.
- Highlights the need for iterative testing, similar to early-stage programs by other space powers like the US, India, and China.
- Could boost Australia’s ambition to become a regional satellite launch hub in the Indo-Pacific.