Locals have been eagerly awaiting the historic launch of Eris TestFlight 1, the first Australian-designed and built rocket aiming for orbit. Now, the wait is finally over with the No Earlier Than (NET) launch date confirmed for the 15th of March, marking the maiden flight of Eris.
This milestone follows final airspace approvals, marking years of research, development, and manufacturing. The company, which also built Bowen Orbital Spaceport, received Australia’s first orbital launch facility license and launch permit.
CEO Adam Gilmour emphasises that launch delays are normal, early attempts are challenging, and building sovereign space capability is crucial.
Backed by private investors, Gilmour Space aims to position Australia among leading spacefaring nations. Regardless of the outcome, the launch signifies a historic step for Australia's space industry.
NET Launch Date announced for Eris TestFlight 1.
The countdown has begun. Gilmour Space Technologies has announced a launch window opening no earlier than the 15th of March for the maiden flight of Eris which is the first Australian-designed and built rocket aiming for orbit.
This milestone follows the final airspace approvals from the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) and Airservices Australia, clearing the last regulatory hurdle before launch.
It also represents the culmination of years of pioneering research, development, and manufacturing by the Gold Coast-based company, which has designed and built both the Eris launch vehicle and the Bowen Orbital Spaceport in North Queensland.
Gilmour Space made history last March when its Bowen Spaceport became the first in Australia to receive an orbital launch facility licence. The company further cemented its status as a national leader in space exploration by securing the country’s first Australian Launch Permit for the Eris TestFlight 1 in November.
Now, with airspace arrangements finalised and the required notice given to the Australian Space Agency, Gilmour Space is gearing up for liftoff.
"This will be the first attempt of an Australian rocket to reach orbit from Australian soil," said Adam Gilmour, co-founder and CEO of Gilmour Space.
With the March 15 window fast approaching, Mr. Gilmour shared some key points to note before launch:
Firstly, it's important to understand that delays or 'scrubs' are a normal part of rocket launches. These can last anywhere from hours, to days, or even weeks, and are often caused by weather conditions, technical issues, or other factors. "Safety is always the top priority. We'll only launch when we're ready, and when conditions are appropriate," he said.
Secondly, the first launch is always the hardest. Reaching orbit is a highly complex engineering challenge, and every successful rocket company has faced setbacks in their early attempts—SpaceX, for one, did it on their fourth attempt.
"It's almost unheard of for a private rocket company to launch successfully to orbit the first time. Whether we make it off the pad, reach max Q, or get all the way to space, what's important is that every second of the flight will deliver valuable data that will improve our rocket's reliability and performance for future launches."
Thirdly, this is the road we must take to build sovereign space capability that's critical for Australia's future. Launching Australian-owned and controlled rockets from home soil means more high-tech jobs, greater security, economic growth, and technological independence. "Only six countries in the world are launching regularly to space using their own technology, and Australia could soon be one of them."
Finally, he said: "I want to thank our incredible team at Gilmour Space for all their hard work and dedication in getting to this critical first flight. Whatever happens next, know that you've already made history—we now build rockets in Australia. And this is only the beginning."
Get ready for liftoff Bowen!
Eris TestFlight 1 preparing for liftoff!
Eris Testflight 1 is the first Australian-designed and built rocket aiming for orbit.
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