Australian startup Gilmour Space Technologies has cleared a major hurdle for its first orbital launch after receiving a permit from the Australian Space Agency. This approval sets the stage for the maiden flight of the Eris small launch vehicle, which could take off from the Bowen Orbital Spaceport in northern Queensland as early as December, marking the first attempt by an Australian-made rocket to reach orbit from Australian soil.
Credit: Gilmour Space
The long-awaited license, granted on November 5, was the final regulatory step for the Eris mission. "With this green light, we will soon attempt the first orbital test flight of an Australian-made rocket from Australian soil,” said Adam Gilmour, CEO of Gilmour Space, in a statement.
Although the launch permit is now in hand, several conditions must be met before liftoff, including a 30-day notification period. "Our team is assessing the conditions of the permit and will advise on the anticipated launch date for Eris TestFlight1 in the coming weeks," Gilmour noted.
Company spokesperson Michelle Gilmour described the conditions attached to the license as "fairly standard." They include securing airspace closure approvals for the launch and completing system checks and tests to ensure readiness. The notification period indicates that the earliest possible launch date is early December. “Our goal is to launch this year, of course, but the holiday period could introduce logistical challenges, including travel to and accommodation at the launch site," Michelle Gilmour added. "If a December launch isn’t feasible, we will aim for early January.”
While the company originally hoped to launch in early May after receiving a spaceport permit in March, delays in the licensing process pushed the timeline back. Michelle Gilmour noted that the Australian Space Agency may have “underestimated the time and resources” required to process the launch application, a complex undertaking for the agency’s relatively small team. "Ultimately, our priority, shared by the agency, is for a safe and successful launch," she said. "Taking extra time to ensure confidence in our vehicle, flight path, and safety measures takes precedence over the schedule."
As the licensing process continued, Gilmour Space kept progressing with launch preparations. In September, they conducted a wet dress rehearsal, a critical test where the rocket was fueled and went through a simulated countdown that paused just 10 seconds before launch. This trial allowed engineers to address issues, including replacing two faulty valves and making minor software adjustments.
Eris, a three-stage rocket, is designed to carry payloads of up to 215 kilograms to a 500-kilometer sun-synchronous orbit and 305 kilograms to an equatorial orbit at the same altitude. The rocket uses hybrid engines, with a liquid oxidizer and solid fuel in the first two stages, while the upper stage is powered by a liquid-propellant engine. Gilmour Space has raised over $140 million Australian ($93 million USD) in funding to date, including $55 million Australian in a Series D round in February, supporting development and preparation for this significant mission.
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