On July 30, 2025, Australia's first domestically designed orbital rocket, Eris, was launched by Gilmour Space Technologies. The mission marked a historic milestone for Australian space efforts, but it ended in failure after just 14 seconds. Curious about what went wrong, whether Australia will try again soon, and what this means for the future of Australian space tech? Keep reading to find out more about this significant event and what lies ahead.
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What happened with Australia's Eris rocket launch?
The Eris rocket, launched from Bowen, Queensland, experienced engine failures shortly after lift-off. After 14 seconds in flight, the hybrid propulsion system failed, causing the rocket to stall and crash nearby. Despite the crash, the launch was considered a technical milestone, as it was Australia's first orbital attempt in over 50 years.
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Will Australia launch another rocket soon?
Yes, Gilmour Space Technologies plans to conduct a second launch of the Eris rocket in early 2026. The company views the recent failure as a learning experience and is working to improve the rocket's systems before the next attempt.
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How do space companies recover from launch failures?
Space companies analyze the technical issues that caused the failure, make necessary adjustments, and conduct thorough testing before attempting another launch. Failures are seen as part of the innovation process, helping companies improve safety and reliability for future missions.
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What are the future plans for Australian space tech?
Australia aims to become a significant player in small satellite launches and space technology. With government grants and local industry support, companies like Gilmour Space are working on more advanced rockets and space missions to boost the country's presence in the global space industry.
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Why is the Eris launch considered a milestone despite failing?
The Eris launch marked Australia's first orbital attempt in over five decades, representing a major step forward in local space capabilities. The successful launch attempt, even with failure, demonstrated the country's growing expertise and ambition in space technology.