What's happened
On July 30, 2025, Gilmour Space Technologies launched Australia's first domestically designed orbital rocket, Eris, from Bowen, Queensland. The 75-foot rocket lifted off but suffered engine failures, stalling after 14 seconds and crashing nearby. No injuries occurred. Despite the failure, the company views the test as a milestone toward affordable small satellite launches, with plans for a second launch in early 2026.
What's behind the headline?
Technical and Strategic Implications
- The Eris rocket's failure after 14 seconds highlights the challenges of developing reliable hybrid propulsion systems, which offer controllability advantages but are less common for orbital-class rockets.
- Gilmour Space's approach to designing and manufacturing most components in-house, including engines and avionics, demonstrates a vertically integrated strategy that could reduce costs and improve innovation agility.
- The 18-month regulatory delay and exposure to corrosive salt air may have contributed to technical issues, underscoring the importance of streamlined launch approvals and infrastructure resilience.
Broader Context and Future Outlook
- This launch is a milestone for Australia's nascent space industry, signaling a shift from suborbital to orbital capabilities and fostering regional economic development.
- Government funding and local support, including a recent AU$5 million grant, indicate strong institutional backing for commercial space ventures.
- Gilmour's plans for a second launch in early 2026, alongside ongoing engine development, suggest a commitment to iterative testing and improvement.
Competitive and Global Positioning
- Australia enters a competitive global market dominated by US and Chinese reusable rocket technologies, with Gilmour's hybrid engine approach offering a unique but risky path.
- The success of reusable launch vehicles elsewhere, such as SpaceX's Falcon 9, sets high performance and cost benchmarks that Gilmour aims to meet or exceed.
Impact on Stakeholders
- Local communities and governments view the launch as a catalyst for economic growth and technological innovation.
- Satellite operators seeking affordable launch options may benefit from increased competition and new service providers.
Overall, while the Eris rocket did not reach orbit, the test flight provides valuable data and momentum for Australia's commercial space ambitions, positioning Gilmour Space as a key player in the region's aerospace future.
What the papers say
Coverage across outlets like Ars Technica, The Independent, and AP News consistently highlights the Eris rocket's historic status as Australia's first domestically designed orbital launch vehicle. Ars Technica's detailed technical analysis notes the hybrid propulsion system's challenges and the impact of regulatory delays, quoting CEO Adam Gilmour acknowledging the failure but framing it as a learning milestone. The Independent and AP News emphasize the local significance, quoting Mayor Ry Collins calling the launch a "huge achievement" despite the failure to reach orbit. Bloomberg succinctly reports the explosion after 14 seconds, while South China Morning Post and The Moscow Times provide broader context on global reusable rocket developments, contrasting Australia's nascent efforts with advances in China, Russia, and the US. This range of perspectives offers readers both the technical specifics and the wider geopolitical and commercial implications of the launch attempt.
How we got here
Australia has a limited history of orbital launches, with only two successful attempts before Eris. Gilmour Space, founded in 2012, developed Eris to carry small satellites into orbit, supported by government grants totaling over AU$57 million. The launch site at Bowen Orbital Spaceport is the first of its kind in Australia, marking a significant step in the country's commercial space ambitions.
Go deeper
- What caused the Eris rocket's engine failure?
- How does Australia's space industry compare globally?
- What are Gilmour Space's plans after this launch?
Common question
-
Why Did Australia's Eris Rocket Fail After 14 Seconds?
Australia's first domestically developed orbital rocket, the Gilmour Space Eris, launched from Queensland but failed just 14 seconds into its flight. This unexpected setback raises questions about what went wrong, what it means for Australia's space ambitions, and what the future holds for local space tech. Below, we explore the reasons behind the failure, Gilmour Space's future plans, and how Australia's space industry compares globally.
-
What happened with Australia's Eris rocket launch?
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.
-
What Went Wrong with Australia’s Eris Rocket Test?
Australia’s first domestically designed orbital rocket, Eris, recently experienced a setback during its test flight. Launched from Bowen, Queensland, the rocket suffered engine failures shortly after liftoff, leading to a crash after just 14 seconds. Despite this, the event marks a significant milestone for Australia’s space ambitions. Curious about what caused the failure, what it means for future launches, and how this compares to other small satellite missions? Keep reading for answers to these questions and more.
-
What happened with Australia's Eris rocket launch?
On July 30, 2025, Australia made a historic step in space exploration with the launch of its first domestically designed orbital rocket, Eris. While the launch ended in failure, it marks a significant milestone for Australia's space ambitions. Curious about what went wrong, what this means for the country's future in space, and whether there are plans to try again? Read on to find out everything you need to know about Australia's first orbital rocket attempt and what comes next.
-
What’s Next for Australia’s Space Launches After the Eris Failure?
Australia’s first domestically designed orbital rocket, Eris, recently experienced a setback with its failed launch. Despite this, the country remains committed to advancing its space capabilities. Curious about what’s coming next for Australian space efforts? Here’s what you need to know about future launches, the impact of recent failures, and Australia’s growing role in space exploration.
More on these topics
-
Gilmour Space Technologies is a venture-funded Australian aerospace company that is developing hybrid-propellant rocket engines and associated technologies to support the deployment of a low-cost launch vehicle.
-
The National Aeronautics and Space Administration is an independent agency of the U.S. Federal Government responsible for the civilian space program, as well as aeronautics and space research.
-
Space Exploration Technologies Corp., trading as SpaceX, is an American aerospace manufacturer and space transportation services company headquartered in Hawthorne, California.
-
Firefly Aerospace is an American private aerospace firm based in Austin, Texas, that develops small- and medium-sized launch vehicles for commercial launches to orbit.
-
China, officially the People's Republic of China, is a country in East Asia. It is the world's most populous country, with a population of around 1.4 billion in 2019.
-
Sean Patrick Duffy is an American politician, prosecutor, former sports commentator and personality who is currently a Fox News contributor.