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3w ago

Australia’s First Homegrown Orbital Rocket Reaches 14-Second Flight Before Crash

Validated key hybrid propulsion systems, generated critical flight data, paving the way for a government-funded second test mission in the coming months.

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.
Eris lifting off – a bit
Image

Overview

  • The Eris rocket lifted off from the Bowen Orbital Spaceport on July 30, marking Australia’s first domestically developed orbital launch attempt.
  • All four hybrid-propulsion engines ignited, delivering a 23-second burn and sustaining flight for 14 seconds before an early mission termination.
  • Gilmour Space Technologies declared the launch a partial success, noting that the data collected will guide system improvements.
  • The Bowen facility, Australia’s first licensed commercial orbital launch site, demonstrated operational readiness despite earlier weather and technical delays.
  • Backed by an A$5 million federal grant, Gilmour Space plans a follow-up TestFlight 2 in the coming months using insights from the maiden flight.