Maiden rocket launch on Wednesday morning a strong result, says Gilmour Space

Rocket business Gilmour Space Technologies has completed the maiden test launch of the first Australian designed and built orbital rocket, achieving 23 seconds of engine burn time and 14 seconds of flight for its Eris vehicle.

According to a statement from the company shortly after the Wednesday morning launch, the flight of its 23-metre, 30-tonne Eris rocket marked a major milestone towards its goal of offering affordable launch services for small satellites globally.

“Space is hard,” said Adam Gilmour, CEO of Gilmour Space Technologies.

“SpaceX, Rocket Lab and others needed multiple test flights to reach orbit. We've learned a tremendous amount that will go directly into improving our next vehicle, which is already in production.”

“Getting off the pad and into flight is a huge step forward for any new rocket program. This was the first real test of our rocket systems, our propulsion technology, and our spaceport — and it proved that much of what we've built works.”

A launch was planned for May, though the TestFlight1 campaign has seen delays due to weather and technical issues.

The company said the campaign was the first use of the newly-licenced Bowen Orbital Spaceport — Australia's first commercial orbital launch site, built by Gilmour Space to support future missions.

It added that the team is now “reviewing flight data to understand the cause of the anomaly that led to early termination, with lessons already being applied to the next vehicle, which is in production” and that initial data confirmed “key systems performed well until the anomaly, including ignition, liftoff, first-stage thrust, range tracking and telemetry.”

In a post on Linkedin, the company claimed the maiden flight as a strong result, especially after an “extended 18-month wait on the pad for final approvals”.

It summarised the launch as follows:

✅ Smooth operations through terminal count and T‑0

✅ Successful autosequence & ignition of all 4 first-stage hybrid rocket engines

✅ 23 seconds of engine burn time, 14 seconds of flight

✅ Successful integrated operation between rocket and ground systems

✅ Liftoff from Bowen Orbital Spaceport, clearing the tower

✅ Flight software & GNC performing as expected

✅ Extensive flight data collected

✅ Safe execution of launch and range operations

✅ From early indications, launch site infrastructure appear intact

Picture: supplied

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