In a historic moment for Australia, the Rocket Eris was launched on Wednesday but unfortunately crashed shortly after a brief 14-second flight while attempting to reach orbit.
This launch, conducted by Gilmour Space Technologies, marked the first time an orbital launch vehicle designed in Australia was used to send small satellites into space from Australian soil.
The test flight took place in the morning from a spaceport located near Bowen in northern Queensland.
Footage released by an Australian news outlet depicted the 75-foot rocket as it successfully cleared the launch tower, only to vanish from view shortly after, with smoke visible at the launch site.
Thankfully, there were no reported injuries.
The company celebrated this attempt, posting their excitement on Facebook.
A spokesperson revealed that all four hybrid propeller engines ignited successfully, with a 23-second burn time and the 14 seconds of flight recorded.
Prior attempts to launch the rocket were postponed in May and again earlier this month due to technical difficulties and unfavorable weather conditions.
CEO Adam Gilmore expressed satisfaction that the Rocket at least launched, stating on LinkedIn that while more flight time would have been desirable, he was pleased with the outcome. He noted back in February that achieving a smooth first flight into orbit is rarely seen for private rocket firms.
The company previously indicated that the mere act of the rocket leaving the ground would signify a successful launch, and they maintained the infrastructure at the launch site as it was.
Local Mayor Ry Collins of Whitsunday Regional Council described the launch as a significant achievement, despite the rocket not reaching its intended orbit.
“This is an important first step toward a significant leap in the future commercial space industry in our region,” he remarked on Facebook.
Gilmour Space Technologies has received private funding and was recently awarded a $3.2 million grant from the Australian federal government for the ERIS rocket’s development.
This follows a $34 million grant agreement from the government in 2023 aimed at promoting the growth and commercialization of new space technologies within Australia.
According to the aerospace news platform NasaspaceFlight, while many orbital vehicles have been developed in Australia, only two successful launches into orbit have occurred.
The Otome ERIS test flight represented the first orbital launch attempt from Australia in over 50 years.
