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Gilmour Space Encounters Delay with Eris Rocket Launch

Space

Business Honor
16 May, 2025

Gilmour Space postpones launch of Eris, Australia’s first locally built orbital rocket, due to malfunction.

Australia’s first locally manufactured orbital rocket has encountered a last-minute setback, as Gilmour Space Technologies delays the highly anticipated launch of its Eris rocket due to a technical issue.

Planned to launch from the company's private Bowen launchpad in northern Queensland, the mission would have been a milestone for Australia's space industry. Instead, a pre-launch anomaly made the rocket's nose cone, which covers its test payload, to open unexpectedly due to an electrical malfunction. The fairing was covering a symbolic payload: a jar of Vegemite.

The issue occurred before the rocket was fueled, and the company confirmed that no damage was sustained and no injuries occurred. “While we’re disappointed by the delay, we’re already working through a resolution and expect to be back on the pad soon,” said CEO Adam Gilmour.

The glitch comes after a previous delay due to issues with the ground support system. A new nose cone is being shipped from the company's Gold Coast base, with the launch now set to be pushed back by a few weeks.

Established in 2013, Gilmour Space Technologies works towards accessible space with locally manufactured and designed rockets. The Eris rocket has the capability to transport up to 305 kilograms to low-Earth orbit, aiming at commercial and government customers in need of affordable space access.

Gilmour Space Technologies secured $55 million in a Series D funding round in February of the previous year, building on a $61 million Series C round in 2021. Should things pan out, the Eris launch will take Australia closer toward becoming its own spacefaring country.