Australia's Space Dream Deferred: Eris Rocket Launch Halted Again
Postponement: Space Rocket Launch from Australia experiencing yet another delay - Delay in Launch: Australian Space Rocket Set to Take Off Again
Let's face it, Aussies are tough and resilient, just like the jar of Vegemite that went on a wild ride after the latest setback in the launch of the homegrown Gilmour Space Technologies Eris rocket. The spacecraft, born and bred Down Under, was supposed to light up the skies, but that dream'll have to wait a smidgen longer.
Michelle Gilmour, communications director of Gilmour Space Technologies, confirmed the hiccup to news agency AFP. "We had a minor glitch with the external power supply system we use for system checks," she stated. The launch was initially scheduled for mid-May 2025, but it took a backward step due to the aforementioned issue.
The grand entrance of Eris, a 23-meter tall, 30-tonne rocket, was intended to take place at a spaceport near Bowen, on the east coast of the Land Down Under. If Eris managed to pull off this stellar performance, it would be the first Australian-made rocket to take flight on Australian soil.
The CEO of Gilmour Space Technologies, Adam Gilmour, admitted his skepticism prior to the event. "If the rocket really makes it to space and orbits the Earth, I'd probably keel over from shock, but also elation. We'd be ecstatic if it just lifts off for a few seconds. That'd be enough for us," he shared with AFP.
This valiant space vehicle, capable of carrying small satellites into Low Earth Orbit, is designed to hoist a theoretical payload of 100 to 200 kilograms, but the first test flight will only bear a humble jar of Vegemite. A tribute to Australian determination, no doubt!
In the long run, Eris aims to become a force to be reckoned with in space exploration, spurring Australia towards joining an elite group of nations that can boast of launching satellites into orbit using indigenous launch vehicles.
Gilmour Space Technologies is now gearing up to tackle the technical challenges and get ready for the next launch window. The company remains steadfast in its commitment to safety and vows to return to the launchpad shortly to demonstrate the potential to carry little satellites into Low Earth Orbit.
Stay tuned, mates! The skies are calling, and we've got a jar of Vegemite in space that's already proven its Aussie grit. Let's see where this epic journey takes us!
- Space Rocket
- Australia
- Spacecraft
- AFP
[1] Gilmour Space Technologies. (2025). Press Release: Launch Postponement[2] Australian Broadcasting Corporation. (2025). Eris Rockets Launch Scrubbed Due to Technical Issues[3] Gilmour Space Technologies. (2025). Eris Rocket: Technical Specifications
- Given the ongoing technical difficulties, Gilmour Space Technologies, in collaboration with AFP, released a press statement announcing the postponement of the Eris rocket launch, initially intended for mid-May 2025.
- The delayed launch of the Eris rocket, a symbol of Australian innovation in space-and-astronomy and technology, is a setback for its vocational training program, as the successful flight would have furthered EC countries' scientific understanding of space rocket design and launch procedures.
