System Glitch Delays Australian-Made Rocket Launch
An Australian aerospace firm said Thursday it has delayed a historic first attempt to launch a locally developed rocket into orbit, with a jar of Vegemite as its payload.
Launch Delay Details
Gilmour Space Technologies announced that a ground system glitch forced the postponement of its three-stage Eris rocket's first test launch until Friday.
"The issue was with an external power system we use during system checks," communications chief Michelle Gilmour told AFP.
"We've identified the fix but ran out of time to implement it and fuel the rocket within today's launch window."
Launch Window and Objectives
The rocket has a multi-day launch window to fly from a spaceport near the east coast township of Bowen, about 1,000 kilometers (600 miles) up from the Queensland capital Brisbane.
If successful, it would mark the first Australian-made rocket to make an orbital launch from Australian soil.
The 23-meter (75-foot) vehicle is designed to launch small satellites into low Earth orbit, but on the first launch, it will carry a jar of Vegemite—a popular Australian toast topping.
Expectations and Future Prospects
Chief executive Adam Gilmour stated that the firm does not expect everything to go smoothly during the first test.
If the rocket achieves orbit, Gilmour mentioned, "I would probably have a heart attack, actually, because I'll be so surprised, but deliriously happy," he told AFP.
"We're going to be happy if it gets off the pad—10, 20, 30 seconds of flight time: fantastic. So orbit is just not in the realm of my belief right now, even though it's theoretically possible."
Technical Aspects of the Eris Rocket
The rocket design incorporates a capacity for 100-200 kilograms (220-440 pounds) with further enhancements in development.
Weighing 30 tonnes fully fueled, it possesses a hybrid propulsion system that uses a solid inert fuel and a liquid oxidizer, providing the essential oxygen for combustion, according to Gilmour.
Company Background and Future Goals
Gilmour Space Technologies is backed by private investors, including venture capital group Blackbird and pension fund HESTA. The company, which boasts 230 employees, aims to initiate commercial launches in late 2026 or early 2027, according to Gilmour, with a focus on rapidly increasing revenues.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while the technical hiccup resulted in a delay, the anticipation surrounding the first test launch of an Australian-made rocket remains high, marking a significant milestone in the nation's aerospace endeavors.
© 2025 AFP
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