An Australian-designed rocket, named Eris, successfully lifted off from a spaceport in Bowen, Queensland, on the morning of July 30, 2023. This marked a significant milestone as it became the first orbital rocket manufactured in Australia to launch from Australian soil. Unfortunately, the rocket crashed shortly after takeoff, remaining airborne for less than a minute.
The Gold Coast-based company, Gilmour Space, announced the launch on social media platform X, noting, “Today, Eris became the first #AustralianMade orbital rocket to launch from Australian soil—~14 seconds of flight, 23 seconds of engine burn. Big step for launch capability.” Despite the brief flight, the company confirmed that the incident did not result in any major damage. “Team safe, data in hand, eyes on TestFlight 2,” they added.
Launch Footage and Technical Challenges
Live footage from the Australian space enthusiast platform Aussienaut captured the moment of the launch. The video showed the rocket lifting off before it briefly hovered and then slid off the pad, ultimately leading to its crash. While the event was a setback, it provided invaluable data for the Gilmour Space team as they prepare for future test flights.
The Eris rocket is part of Gilmour Space’s broader efforts to establish a more robust space launch capability within Australia. The company aims to develop a sustainable launch model that can cater to both national and international satellite deployment needs.
This launch represents not only a technological achievement for Australia but also a step towards enhancing the country’s presence in the global space industry. As Gilmour Space continues to refine its technology, the focus remains on improving the reliability and success rate of future launches.
In a rapidly evolving space sector, the challenges faced during the Eris launch highlight the complexities of rocket development. The data gathered from this flight will be crucial as the team addresses any technical issues encountered and plans for subsequent launches.
With a commitment to innovation, Gilmour Space is poised to make further advancements in space exploration and technology, aiming to make Australia a competitive player in the global market. As the company looks ahead, the lessons learned from this launch will inform their strategic direction, paving the way for future successes.