Gilmour Space sets March 15 as beginning of launch window for Eris test flight

Gilmour Space Technologies has shared a launch window for the maiden flight of its Eris rocket, starting “no earlier than” March 15.

In a statement to media on Monday, the Gold Coast-based rocket maker and launch services provider said the news followed the last remaining hurdle before launch, its recent final airspace approvals from the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA.)

The launch window will begin a year after the company’s Bowen Orbital Spaceport in North Queensland was awarded an orbital launch facility licence, and follows the Australian Launch Permit for Eris TestFlight 1 being granted in November last year.

“This will be the first attempt of an Australian rocket to reach orbit from Australian soil,” said Adam Gilmour, co-founder and CEO of Gilmour Space, on Monday.

Gilmour sounded caution leading up to the attempt, noting that “scrubs” or delays are common – for reasons including weather and technical issues – and that the first launch always comes with significant difficulties.

“It’s almost unheard of for a private rocket company to launch successfully to orbit the first time,” he added, citing SpaceX only reaching orbit after three failed launches.

“Whether we make it off the pad, reach max Q, or get all the way to space, what’s important is that every second of flight will deliver valuable data that will improve our rocket’s reliability and performance for future launches.”

Previously it has said its plans include two test flights then a third, commercial flight, carrying Australian satellites into space.

Gilmour Space was founded in 2012, and began its rocket program in 2015.

The venture-backed company announced the close of a $55 million Series D capital raise in February, 2024. 

Picture: supplied

Further reading

Gilmour gets long-awaited launch permit

Gilmour Space completes wet dress rehearsal ahead of planned launch

One small step for Gilmour, one giant leap for Australia