Australia Gilmour Space Technologies delayed the launch of its first home-grown orbital rocket after detecting a ground support issue. The Eris rocket was scheduled to lift off on Thursday from a purpose-built launch site at Abbot Point, near Bowen in Queensland. In a statement, the company said, “No launch (on Thursday). We’re now in an extended hold to work through it. Our next target is the Friday morning launch window. Stay tuned for updates.” The team discovered the issue during overnight checks and immediately paused the countdown.
#TestFlight1 Update:
𝗡𝗼 𝗹𝗮𝘂𝗻𝗰𝗵 𝘁𝗼𝗱𝗮𝘆. Our team identified an issue in the ground support system during overnight checks. We’re now in an extended hold to work through it.
Our next target is the Friday morning launch window. Stay tuned for updates. pic.twitter.com/4BeND79hKw
— Gilmour Space (@GilmourSpace) May 14, 2025
Launch Window Remains Open Until Sunday
The Australian Space Agency and the Civil Aviation Safety Authority approved the launch last week. Gilmour has until Sunday to complete the mission, with a daily window opening at 7.30am AEST. The three-stage Eris rocket was designed and built over four years at the company’s Gold Coast facility. The team will attempt the first flight from a spaceport developed on a cattle paddock. A mobile mission control centre sits about seven kilometres from the launch pad.
Gilmour Builds National Space Capability
Gilmour Space was founded in 2013 by brothers Adam and James Gilmour. The company now employs 200 engineers and has grown to a valuation over $600 million. Gilmour aims to launch small satellites into low-Earth orbit for commercial and government clients. The Eris rocket stands seven storeys tall and weighs around 30,000 kilograms. The rocket is designed to reach a maximum speed of 27,500kph.
Figure 1: The rocket is designed to bring satellites in low-earth orbit
Mission Includes Jar of Vegemite
The launch will include a camera and a ceremonial jar of Vegemite. The flight will last about eight minutes and end in the Coral Sea. The company will not attempt to reach orbit on the first flight. Engineers will instead focus on flight milestones such as lift-off and engine performance. The rocket is expected to reach 200 kilometres altitude during its brief journey.
Figure 2: Gilmour plans to include a jar of Vegemite
CEO Says Launch Will Mark Major Milestone
CEO Adam Gilmour compared the upcoming flight to winning in sport. “I think it will be like winning an Olympic gold medal. I think I’ll be extremely happy, and I’ll give my brother a big hug. I intend to hit the town of Bowen hard that night for a party and buy everyone a beer,” he said. Mr Gilmour added that 10 seconds of flight would equal a one-nil win. Thirty seconds would mean two-nil. Reaching first stage separation would mark three-nil.
SpaceX Took Four Attempts to Reach Orbit
No private company has entered orbit on its first attempt. SpaceX did not reach orbit until its fourth launch in 2008. Gilmour Space is aiming to succeed by its third launch. The Eris rocket uses hybrid propulsion, which allows for safer testing. If the rocket fails to lift off, engineers can repair and reuse parts. Mr Gilmour said, “What we can do is bring the rocket back down, just build some new engines, put them back on and have another crack and we think that’ll be about two months later.”
Weather Appears Favourable for Weekend Launch
Weather remains a key factor. Mr Gilmour said, “Thursday to Sunday is some of the best winds for months … so if the forecasts hold true, we’re looking good.” The team will confirm launch readiness three hours before the window opens each day. Gilmour’s technology allows for multiple attempts within a short timeframe.
Launch Site Offers Strategic Advantage
The Bowen Orbital Spaceport sits on a remote cattle paddock at Abbot Point. The site’s location near the equator gives rockets extra speed from Earth’s rotation. The company chose the area because it is sparsely populated and already zoned for industry. The spaceport was purpose-built to support repeated launches.
Figure 3: The site’s location near the equator gives rockets extra speed from Earth’s rotation
Viewing Access Is Limited to Nearby Areas
There will be no live stream, but the rocket may be visible from local beaches and elevated areas. Authorities have restricted access to the launch site and surrounding air and sea space. Mr Gilmour joked that cattle in the paddock will have the best view. “We talked to the person that’s managing the cows, and they’re not too worried about them. They’ll have a better view than us. We can’t get that close,” he said.
Tourism Leaders See Future Growth
Tourism Whitsundays CEO Tim Booth said space tourism could become a new category. “Over time, this will really become a [tourism] category in-and-of itself,” he said. Regional leaders hope future launches will attract more visitors to North Queensland.
Investors Back Gilmour’s Expansion
Gilmour Space raised $55 million last year to fund rocket development. Blackbird, Main Sequence, Queensland Investment Corporation, and superannuation funds HESTA and HostPlus back the company. The funding supported manufacturing, testing, and facility upgrades.
Launch Video Will Be Released Later
Gilmour Space will not broadcast the flight live but will distribute video footage after the mission. Cameras on board the rocket and on the ground will capture the historic moment for media and public release.
