Rocket Launch from Australia Falls Short, Exploding 14 Seconds After Lift-Off
In a significant step for Australia's space program, Gilmour Space Technologies recently attempted to launch the country's first indigenous orbital rocket, the Eris rocket, from the Bowen Orbital Spaceport in Queensland. Although the rocket did not reach orbit during the July 2025 launch, it marked a crucial stepping stone in Australia's quest to establish itself as a commercial launch provider both domestically and internationally [1][2][3].
The Eris rocket, standing approximately 23 meters tall, is a three-stage vehicle designed to carry small satellites and payloads of up to 300 kilograms into orbit. It is the first homegrown orbital rocket, developed by Gilmour Space, a company founded by the Gilmour brothers in 2015 and now employing around 200 people. The company also develops satellites like ElaraSat [2][3].
The Australian government has been supportive of this endeavour, providing AUD 5 million through the Industry Growth Program to accelerate the development of Eris’s engine and related technologies. The launch was historic, as it was the first orbital launch from Australian soil in over 50 years, with the last being a British Black Arrow rocket in 1971 from Woomera in South Australia [1][2][3].
Despite the rocket's brief flight lasting only 14 seconds and not reaching orbit, Gilmour Space CEO Adam Gilmour considers achieving flight for a first test as a significant success [4]. The rocket had four hybrid engines that operated for 23 seconds during its flight [3]. Videos show Eris reaching a modest height before slowing down, veering off course, and crashing back onto the cosmodrome [1][2].
The Australian Minister for Science and Innovation, Tim Ayers, stated that the launch will help Gilmour and the Australian space ecosystem continue innovating [1]. The Bowen spaceport, where the launch took place, is set to continue supporting future launches and potentially increase economic benefits to the region [1][2].
It is worth noting that the Eris rocket was not designed for satellite orbital missions. Since 1967, when Australia's only satellite, WRESAT, was launched on a British Black Arrow rocket, there have been no programs to create indigenous Australian launch vehicles [1][2][3]. This recent attempt by Gilmour Space is a significant step towards filling that gap and establishing a thriving domestic space industry.
In conclusion, Australia's space program has made a significant stride with the first attempt to launch an indigenous orbital rocket, the Eris rocket. Although the maiden flight did not achieve full mission success, it was a key stepping stone in the country's journey to become a competitive player in the global space launch sector while fostering domestic innovation in aerospace technologies [1][2][3][4].
The Eris rocket, a key innovation in Australia's space program, is designed to carry small satellites and payloads, showcasing the country's advancement in space-and-astronomy technology. The Australian government, touting the potential of science and technology, has provided funding to accelerate the development of the Eris's engine and related technologies.
