‘All engines now qualified’ says Gilmour ahead of 2023 launch

Gilmour Space Technologies has announced the successful qualification test of its Sirius hybrid rocket engine, ahead of a planned orbital launch in the first half of 2023.

The Gold Coast-based company issued a short statement on Tuesday morning – accompanied by a video of the test (reproduced below) – saying that “All engines are now qualified for our first orbital test launch next year.” 

“I’m happy to share that the test was a success. Our Sirius engine generated a record 115 kilonewtons (or 25,850 pounds force) of stable and efficient combustion,” said co-founder and CEO Adam Gilmour.

“This is the most powerful rocket engine ever developed in Australia; and it achieved its mission duration requirement before failure.”

Five Sirius engines will power stages one and two of the three-stage Eris vehicle (pictured.)

Gilmour Space announced in September that it plans a rideshare mission for Australian companies in 2024 aboard its Eris Block 2 rocket, which will have a lift capacity of one tonne low earth orbit.

The Bowen Orbital Spaceport in north Queensland is currently being developed for launches.

Picture: Credit Gimour Space Technologies