Australia to Go Orbital: Gilmour Space Gears up for Historic Launch
Gilmour Space Technologies, an Australian rocket startup, is preparing for its maiden launch, targeting to send a sovereign Australian vehicle into orbit.
Founded in 2012, the company is based in Queensland, Australia. It aims to develop and produce affordable, reliable launch vehicles to enable frequent and responsive access to space.
Gilmour Space's maiden launch, named "Mission 1," is scheduled for the second quarter of 2023 from the Arnhem Space Centre in northern Australia.
The Eris Rocket: A Sovereign Australian Launch Vehicle
The rocket set to power Mission 1 is the Eris rocket, a two-stage, suborbital vehicle designed by Gilmour Space.
Eris is 25 meters tall and powered by four liquid-propellant rocket engines. It has a liftoff mass of around 25 tonnes and is capable of carrying a payload of up to 300 kilograms to low Earth orbit (LEO).
The successful launch of Eris will mark a significant milestone for Australia, as it will be the first time an Australian-made rocket has reached orbit.
Key Features of the Eris Rocket
- Two-stage, suborbital vehicle
- 25 meters tall
- Powered by four liquid-propellant rocket engines
- Liftoff mass of around 25 tonnes
- Payload capacity of up to 300 kilograms to LEO
Mission 1: Objectives and Timeline
Mission 1 has several primary objectives:
- Successfully launch and operate the Eris rocket
- Deploy two customer payloads into orbit
- Demonstrate Gilmour Space's launch capabilities
The mission is scheduled for the second quarter of 2023, with the exact launch date to be announced closer to the event.
Significance for Australia's Space Industry
The successful completion of Mission 1 will be a major step forward for Australia's space industry.
It will demonstrate Australia's capability to independently access and utilize space, enabling the country to pursue scientific research, commercial applications, and strategic initiatives in the space domain.
