Gilmour Space gets green light for rocket launch
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The news: Gilmour Space Technologies has received Australia's first orbital launch permit for its maiden Eris rocket launch from the Bowen Orbital Spaceport in north Queensland.
The numbers: The Gold Coast-based company has grown to more than 200 employees since starting its rocket program in 2015 and has built a local supply chain of more than 300 Australian companies.
In September, the company completed a wet dress rehearsal of its Eris launch vehicle, reaching T-10 seconds in the countdown.
The context: The permit was granted by Minister for Industry and Science Ed Husic and the Australian Space Agency.
It follows the March 2024 granting of Australia's first orbital launch facility licence to Gilmour's Bowen Orbital Spaceport. The spaceport, one of few private orbital launch sites globally, will initially provide access to low- and mid-inclination orbits.
The permit includes conditions that must be met before launch and requires a mandatory 30-day notification period.
What they said: "With this green light, we will soon attempt the first orbital test flight of an Australian-made rocket from Australian soil," Gilmour Space chief executive officer and co-founder Adam Gilmour said.
Whitsunday Regional Council mayor Ry Collins added: "The launch approval marks an incredible milestone for Bowen and the Whitsundays region. Success here isn't just about reaching orbit — it's about positioning Bowen as a key player in Australia's journey to space".
The source: Gilmour Space press release
