Gilmour Space launches Eris on 14-second TestFlight 1

Gold Coast-based Gilmour Space Technologies has completed the maiden test launch, TestFlight 1, of Australia’s first locally designed and built orbital rocket. Although this first flight lasted only 14 seconds  the company has described it as a major milestone toward offering low-cost, responsive launch services for small satellites globally.

The 23m, 30-tonne Eris rocket, powered by new hybrid propulsion technology, successfully lifted off from the company’s Bowen Orbital Spaceport in North Queensland. Initial data confirms that key systems performed well, including ignition, liftoff, first-stage thrust, range tracking and telemetry, until an anomaly was encountered 14 seconds into the mission. The team is now reviewing flight data to understand the cause of the anomaly that led to early termination, with lessons already being applied to the next vehicle, which is in production.

The team will now review flight data and apply lessons learned to the next Eris rocket, with plans to launch again within 6-8 months.

“Space is hard,” said Adam Gilmour, CEO of Gilmour Space Technologies. “SpaceX, Rocket Lab and others needed multiple test flights to reach orbit. We’ve learned a tremendous amount that will go directly into improving our next vehicle, which is already in production.

“Getting off the pad and into flight is a huge step forward for any new rocket program. This was the first real test of our rocket systems, our propulsion technology, and our spaceport — and it proved that much of what we’ve built works. Clearing the tower was a major milestone for our team. It showed that Australia can design, build, and launch rockets right here at home.”

Importantly, there were no injuries to any person and no adverse environmental impacts, the company said.

“Only six nations currently launch to orbit regularly — and just a handful are developing sovereign capability to join them,” Gilmour added. “We’ve now taken a big step toward joining that group.”

The TestFlight 1 campaign was the first integrated attempt of an orbital-class rocket designed and built entirely in Australia. It also marked the first use of the newly licensed Bowen Orbital Spaceport — Australia’s first commercial orbital launch site, built by Gilmour Space to support future missions.

Eris was developed almost entirely in-house including propulsion, structures, avionics, software, and the spaceport itself, on a fraction of the budget available to most global launch companies, the company says. Gilmour Space also worked closely with many stakeholders and regulators including the Australian Space Agency, Civil Aviation Safety Authority, Air Services Australia, Maritime authorities and others to help shape and navigate the rules needed to safely launch rockets from Australia for the first time.

The TestFlight 1 mission represents the culmination of years of effort by a team of more than 200 Gilmour Space staff and more than 500 Australian suppliers, the company says. It is the next step in Gilmour’s mission to provide low-cost, responsive launch services for small satellites — a capability in growing demand globally.