First Australian-Made Orbital Rocket Crashes Seconds After Lift-Off

Bowen, Queensland: Australia’s first homegrown orbital rocket, developed by Gilmour Space Technologies, crashed just 14 seconds after lift-off during its maiden test flight.

The Eris rocket launched from the Bowen Orbital Spaceport in North Queensland but lost momentum shortly after ascending. Footage from the launch shows the rocket briefly climbing before plummeting back to the ground, resulting in a plume of white smoke.

Details of the Eris Rocket Launch

The test launch was a landmark moment for Australia’s space industry, marking the country’s first attempt to send a domestically designed and built rocket into orbit.

In a statement, Gilmour Space Technologies confirmed:

• No injuries were reported during the incident.

• The company plans to conduct a second launch in six to eight months.

• Engineers are analysing flight data to understand the cause of the failure.

Despite the setback, Gilmour Space described the test as a “giant leap forward” for Australia’s space capabilities.

Significance for Australia’s Space Industry

The Eris rocket was designed to position Australia as a competitive player in the rapidly growing commercial space sector. The mission aimed to demonstrate the feasibility of launching satellites from Australian soil and reduce reliance on international spaceports.

“Although the launch did not go as planned, we are proud of the team’s achievements and the progress made,” the company said in its official release.

Next Steps for Gilmour Space Technologies

The company’s engineers will now perform a detailed investigation of the flight data to pinpoint the technical issues. Gilmour Space said it remains committed to conducting another orbital launch attempt within the next six to eight months.

The failure is a reminder of the challenges facing space exploration. Most private space companies, including SpaceX and Rocket Lab, faced multiple setbacks before achieving successful launches.

FAQs on the Eris Rocket Incident

1. What is the Eris rocket?

The Eris rocket is Australia’s first orbital launch vehicle, developed by Gilmour Space Technologies, designed to carry small satellites into orbit.

2. Where did the launch take place?

The test launch was conducted at the Bowen Orbital Spaceport in North Queensland, Australia.

3. Were there any injuries?

No, Gilmour Space confirmed that no injuries occurred during the failed test launch.

4. When will the next launch take place?

The company has stated it will attempt another launch in six to eight months after investigating the cause of the failure.

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Gilmour Space Technologies’ Eris rocket crashed 14 seconds after its first launch from Bowen Orbital Spaceport. No injuries reported; a second launch planned within months.

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