Tough Cookies: Australian Space Rocket Delayed Yet Again, But Unbroken and Ready
Delay once more in Australian spacecraft takeoff schedule - Delay in Launch: Australian Space Rocket Takeoff Yet Another Setback
Take a load off, mates! The Aussie space crew over at Gilmour Space Technologies is still working on getting our homegrown rocket, the Eris, off the ground, despite another setback. But fear not, because old mate Vegemite is still packed and ready, and the team's got nothing but 'the right stuff' to make this launched launch happen.
The latest scrape came during a system test that encountered an electrical niggle causing the lid (ahem, nose cone) to pop open, much like a stubborn jar from the pantry. "It's a tough little blighter, just like the Aussies," said Michelle Gilmour, the company's comms director, when speaking to AFP.
Originally, the big day was set for Wednesday, but the new Australian-made three-stager was forced to hold its horses. "The issue was a problem with the external power supply system that we use for testing," Michelle told AFP.
The launch was meant to take place at Gilmour's spacepost near the charming seaside town of Bowen on the east coast of Australia. If all goes well on this test run, the Eris would have a momentous victory, becoming the first Aussie-made rocket to blast off from our own soil.
But even the CEO of Gilmour Space, Adam Gilmour, was a bit apprehensive. "If this rocket really makes it to space and orbits the Earth, I'd probably keel over from shock, but also joy," Adam told AFP. "We'd be chuffed if it just gets airborne for a few seconds. That'd be a bloody good result."
Obviously, the crew's long-term goal is to see Eris launching small satellites into low Earth orbit (LEO). The lad stands tall at 23 meters (75 feet) and weighs a hefty 30 tonnes (around 66,000 pounds). Its carrying capacity theoretically clocks in at up to around 200 kilograms (440 pounds), but this first test flight will only be carrying one of our national treasures: Vegemite.
Once the test flights and early technical snags have been sorted out (expected by late 2026 or early 2027), Gilmour aims to enthral commercial and government clients with regular launches from their Queensland spaceport. This could set the stage for some serious LEO action, supporting everything from Earth observation, research, and communication projects to Internet of Things (IoT) applications.
Eris's unique hybrid propulsion system offers lots of advantages over traditional fuels, such as reduced costs, increased safety, and less environmental impact, while significantly boosting Australia's ability to orbit small satellites domestically. Taking a huge step forward, as Aussies tend to do, it looks like we'll soon be making a homegrown splash in the commercial satellite launch market with our mates from Gilmour Space at the helm. So hang tight, folks—this Vegemite might just be the start of something wickedly wonderful!
Rocket: Eris
Location: Australia
Spacecraft: Small satellites for LEO
AFP: Australian news agency
Note: For more on the Eris's ambitious plans and potential impact on the space industry, check out these fascinating insights:
- Gilmour's long-term aspirations include commercial launches using Eris from late 2026 or early 2027 after resolving early technical issues and making historical breakthroughs in Australian space technology.
- By offering a reliable, affordable, launch solution, Eris will help establish Australia's space launch capabilities, reduce reliance on foreign providers, and support local innovation.
- The hybrid propulsion technology Eris uses offers advantages such as reduced costs, increased safety, and rapid, more affordable satellite deployment compared to traditional liquid or solid fuel technologies.
- Regular launches from Gilmour's Queensland spaceport will contribute to the growth of the Australian space industry, attracting investment in the local space technology sector.
EC countries could greatly benefit from the advancements in Australian space technology, as the Eris rocket, once operational, could provide cost-effective, safe, and environmentally friendly launch solutions for small satellites. Additionally, the adoption of vocational training programs in space-and-astronomy and technology sectors could help foster local innovation in space technology, aligning with the growth of the Australian space industry.
