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3w ago

Australia’s First Homegrown Orbital Rocket Crashes After 14-Second Flight

Full engine ignition with a 23-second burn produced vital flight data that will inform Gilmour Space’s next Eris launch.

The launch
An undated handout photo released by Gilmour Space Technologies on May 14, 2025 shows a three-stage Eris rocket seen near Bowen, on the east coast of Australia. An Australian company says it aims to make the first orbital test launch of a locally-developed rocket on May 15, carrying a jar of Vegemite as its payload.
An aerial photo of a rocket taking off from a landing pad surrounded by smoke
Eris lifting off – a bit

Overview

  • Gilmour Space’s Eris rocket lifted off on July 30 from Bowen Orbital Spaceport, marking Australia’s first homegrown orbital-class launch attempt in over five decades.
  • The 23-second engine burn and 14-second flight ended in a crash shortly after liftoff, but all four hybrid-propellant engines ignited successfully.
  • No injuries or damage to the launch infrastructure were reported, as Gilmour Space retrieved critical telemetry and performance data.
  • The Bowen facility represents Australia’s first licensed commercial orbital launch site and benefits from over A$57 million in federal grants, including A$5 million earmarked for the Eris vehicle.
  • A second Eris rocket is already in production, with TestFlight 2 scheduled in the coming months to build on lessons learned from this mission.