Wednesday, December 18, 2024

Issue:

Mackay and Whitsunday Life

The Countdown Begins

Eris TestFlight1, the highly anticipated inaugural launch of Australia's first sovereign-made rocket, has officially received its launch permit approval and is now slated for liftoff from Gilmour Spaceport in Bowen.
While the precise launch date is still to be confirmed, the mission is expected to take place in mid-January, marking a historic milestone for the Australian space industry and Bowen.
This launch will not only be the first orbital attempt of an Australian-made rocket, but it also represents the first orbital launch from Australian soil in over half a century.
Developed and manufactured by Gilmour Space, Eris is the country's first rocket designed and built to carry satellites into space, a significant step in establishing Australia’s capabilities in the global space sector.
Eris TestFlight1 will be the maiden flight of the Eris Block 1 rocket, which utilises Gilmour Space’s proprietary hybrid rocket technology, a groundbreaking innovation that combines the simplicity of liquid propellant with the power of solid fuel.
For the local Whitsunday community, the Eris TestFlight1 launch is an exhilarating development that is sure to put Bowen firmly on the map as a key destination in space exploration history.
Bowen’s spaceport is Australia’s first licensed commercial orbital launch facility and offers access to Low Earth Orbits (LEO) with inclinations ranging from 20 to 65 degrees. This unique capability makes it an ideal site for launching various satellite missions.
The Gilmour Spaceport, located within the Abbot Point State Development Area, is a private facility that operates under the guidance of Gilmour Space.
The spaceport has received the support and blessing of the Juru traditional owners of the Bowen region, who have warmly welcomed the opportunity to ‘bridge Country to Sky.’
As Australia looks to cement its place in the global space economy, Bowen's role in this mission stands as a symbol of innovation, collaboration, and a new era for the nation's space exploration efforts.
With projects like Eris TestFlight1, Bowen is not only contributing to cutting-edge aerospace technology but also positioning itself at the forefront of a rapidly evolving industry.

Eris TestFlight1 gets ready to launch

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