The historic launch of the first Australian-made rocket, Gilmour Space Technologies’ Eris TestFlight1, has been postponed due to an unexpected issue discovered during overnight checks of the ground support system. The rocket was scheduled to lift off from the Orbital Spaceport in Bowen, North Queensland, marking Australia’s first orbital launch in over five decades.
Gilmour Space Technologies, based on the Gold Coast, has invested years of effort into preparing for this momentous occasion. The rocket’s attempt to reach orbit would place Australia among just 12 countries globally capable of launching their own rockets.
Despite the initial schedule for today, the team announced the delay, stating, “No launch today. Our team identified an issue in the ground support system and we are now in an extended hold while we work through it.” However, the company is optimistic about rescheduling the launch for tomorrow morning, as the Australian Space Agency has granted a two-week window for the launch.
Gilmour Space’s chief and co-founder, Adam Gilmour, cautioned that delays are common in rocket launches, particularly for first attempts. He explained that these setbacks can range from hours to weeks, often due to factors like technical issues or weather conditions. “Safety is always the top priority. We’ll only launch when we’re ready, and when conditions are appropriate,” he affirmed.
The Bowen Orbital Spaceport, located near Abbot Point, has implemented marine and aerial exclusion zones to ensure safety during the launch process. As the anticipation builds, all eyes are on the Gilmour Space team as they strive to achieve this significant milestone in Australia’s space exploration journey.