Rocket from Australia's premier launcher fails only 14 seconds into its flight.
The Australian space industry took a significant leap forward on July 29, 2025, as Gilmour Space Technologies successfully conducted the first test launch of their Eris rocket from the Bowen Orbital Spaceport. Although the rocket flew for only 14 seconds before a flight termination, it safely came down within the designated safety area, marking a historic moment for Australian-designed and built orbital-class rockets.
This test flight represents a major milestone for Gilmour Space's ambition to become a leading small satellite launch provider globally. The Eris rocket, standing at 23 meters tall and equipped with a three-stage hybrid propulsion system, is capable of carrying up to 300 kg payload. The launch attempt was rescheduled from May due to a technical malfunction, and again for late June due to strong winds in the launch area.
The Bowen Orbital Spaceport, located in Queensland, holds the first Australian orbital Launch Facility License, granted in 2024. The Australian government has shown its support for the project, with the first-ever Launch Permit issued for this flight in November and a $5 million investment into the Eris engine development through the Industry Growth Program.
CEO Adam Gilmour emphasized that reaching orbit typically requires multiple test flights, citing SpaceX and Rocket Lab as examples. He sees this initial test flight as a crucial step toward joining the few nations with sovereign orbital launch capabilities. The lessons learned from this test will be incorporated to refine the Eris rocket, with the next vehicle already in production, aiming for higher performance and eventual orbital launches.
Despite the partial flight, the test allowed key structural elements to be tested in real conditions. Before fueling, the rocket jettisoned its nose cone, which protects the payload and third stage, due to a voltage spike. No injuries or environmental harm were reported during the test.
In summary, the Eris rocket test was significant progress for the Australian rocket program. The launch marked a major milestone for Gilmour Space Technologies, Australia's sovereign space capabilities, and the Bowen Orbital Spaceport. With the next Eris rocket vehicle already in production, the team is optimistic about achieving full orbital launch capability and becoming a commercial launch provider in the future.
[1] Gilmour Space Technologies. (2025). Eris Maiden Test Launch. Retrieved from https://www.gilmourspace.com/eris-test-launch
[2] Australian Space Agency. (2025). Eris Rocket Test Launch. Retrieved from https://www.industry.gov.au/space/news/eris-rocket-test-launch
[3] Bowen Orbital. (2025). Launch Facility License. Retrieved from https://www.bowenorbital.com/launch-facility-license
[4] Australian Government. (2024). Launch Permit. Retrieved from https://www.infrastructure.gov.au/aviation/space/launch/permits.aspx
The Eris rocket test serves as a vital stepping stone for Gilmour Space Technologies to ascend among global leaders in small satellite launch services, given its hybrid propulsion system and ability to carry up to 300 kg payload. This test, despite its brief duration, has significantly bolstered Australia's sovereign space capabilities and marked the Bowen Orbital Spaceport as a pioneer in the realm of orbital-class rocket launching.
Following this test, key design changes will be incorporated into the next Eris rocket vehicle to enhance its performance, with the ultimate goal of achieving full orbital launch capability and emerging as a commercial launch provider in the extensive cosmos of science and technology.
