Gilmour Space Technologies#Eris orbital rocket
{{Short description|Australian space company}}
{{Use Australian English|date=July 2021}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=July 2021}}
{{Infobox company
| name = Gilmour Space Technologies
| logo =
| image_caption = Gilmour Space facility, Helensvale, Gold Coast
| type = Private
| industry = Aerospace
| foundation = {{Start date and age|2013|df=yes}}
| services = Orbital rockets, space access, satellite buses
| founders = Adam Gilmour, James Gilmour
| location_city = 77 Darlington Drive, Yatala, Queensland
| hq_location_country = Australia
| num_employees = 200
| homepage = {{URL|http://www.gspace.com/}}
}}
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.{{Cite web |url=http://www.afr.com/technology/blackbird-shoots-for-the-moon-and-mars-with-gilmour-space-investment-20170526-gwe9rq/|title= Blackbird shoots for the moon and Mars with Gilmour Space investment |publisher=Australian Financial Review |author=John Mcduling |date=30 May 2017 |access-date=June 2, 2017}}
Founded in 2012, Gilmour Space's function is to provide space launch services to the small satellite market using Australian-built Eris orbital rockets, launched from Gilmour’s private spaceport in North Queensland. The company also intends to offer a ride-sharing service, in addition to a modular G-Sat small satellite bus/platform.{{Cite web |date=2023-03-10 |title=Gilmour has eyes on the sky |url=https://amtil.com.au/gilmour-has-eyes-on-the-sky/ |access-date=2023-08-29 |website=AMTIL |language=en-US}}
The maiden flight of Eris Block 1, which was unveiled by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese as Australia's first sovereign orbital rocket,{{Cite web |title=Doorstop interview - Helensvale {{!}} Prime Minister of Australia |url=https://www.pm.gov.au/media/doorstop-interview-helensvale |access-date=2023-08-28 |website=www.pm.gov.au}} is planned for the Bowen Orbital Spaceport in Abbot Point, Bowen.{{Cite web |title=Our Launch Services |url=https://www.gspace.com/launch|access-date=2025-02-21 |website=www.gspace.com}}
Gilmour Space has long-term ambitions to develop a range of Eris-class launch vehicles capable of carrying larger satellites/payloads into low Earth orbits, and eventually provide space access for crewed orbital missions.{{cite web |last=Klein |first=Alice |date=20 November 2022 |title=Australia's first rocket is set to launch into space in April 2023 |url=https://www.newscientist.com/article/2347513-australias-first-rocket-is-set-to-launch-into-space-in-april-2023/ |access-date=28 November 2022 |work=New Scientist}}
Founding
Gilmour Space was founded in Singapore (2012; closed 2019) and Australia (2013) by former banker, Adam Gilmour, and his brother James Gilmour.
The company's first project in 2013 was to design and manufacture high-fidelity spaceflight simulators and replicas for a number of space-related exhibits and the Spaceflight Academy Gold Coast.{{Cite web |date=25 May 2017 |title=Fly like Bert with new Hinkler Hall exhibition |url=http://www.bundaberg.qld.gov.au/news/2015/05/25/fly-bert-new-hinkler-hall-exhibition |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180615111934/http://www.bundaberg.qld.gov.au/news/2015/05/25/fly-bert-new-hinkler-hall-exhibition |archive-date=15 June 2018 |access-date=June 2, 2017 |publisher=Bundaberg Regional Council}}{{Cite web |author=Andrew Potts |date=17 June 2016 |title=Gold Coast company aims for stars at Pimpama |url=http://www.goldcoastbulletin.com.au/business/gold-coast-company-aims-for-stars-at-pimpama/news-story/c3c9da864427df0081b6f2fabd1e3bb4 |access-date=June 2, 2017 |publisher=Gold Coast Bulletin}} It began its rocket development program in 2015; and within 18 months, successfully launched Australia and Singapore's first privately developed hybrid test rocket using proprietary 3D printed fuel.{{Cite web |url=http://www.goldcoastbulletin.com.au/news/gold-coast/gold-coasts-first-suborbital-rocket-successfully-launched/news-story/8c11f8059f6f996939605caad9fdfe0d|title= Gold Coast's first suborbital rocket successfully launched |publisher=Gold Coast Bulletin |author=Jack Harbour |date=29 July 2016 |access-date=June 2, 2017}}
Since then, the company has been developing larger rockets, including the One Vision suborbital rocket and Eris orbital launch vehicle (more below).
Investors
As a leading New Space pioneer in Australia, Gilmour Space is backed by some of the country's largest investors, including [https://www.blackbird.vc/ Blackbird Ventures] (which led its Series A fund raise{{Cite web |last=Space |first=Gilmour |date=2017-05-30 |title=Rocket startup shoots for the stars with AUD 5 million (USD 3.7 million) Series-A funding |url=https://www.gspace.com/post/2017-gilmour-space-series-a |access-date=2023-08-29 |website=Gilmour Space |language=en}}) and [https://mseq.vc/ Main Sequence Ventures] (which led its Series B raise{{Cite web |date=2018-09-28 |title=Gilmour Space secures AUD 19 million to launch next-generation hybrid rockets to space |url=https://www.gspace.com/post/2018-gilmour-space-series-b |access-date=2023-08-29 |website=Gilmour Space |language=en}}); as well as international investors like [https://finestructure.vc/ Fine Structure Ventures] (Series C{{Cite web |last=Space |first=Gilmour |date=2021-06-29 |title=Gilmour Space rockets ahead with $61M Series C funding |url=https://www.gspace.com/post/gilmour-space-rockets-ahead-with-61m-series-c-funding |access-date=2023-08-29 |website=Gilmour Space |language=en}}) and [https://durians.500.co/ 500 Startups]. Other investors include [https://www.qic.com.au/ Queensland Investment Corporation] and Australian superannuation funds [https://www.hostplus.com.au/ Hostplus], [https://www.hesta.com.au/about-us HESTA] and [https://www.ngssuper.com.au/about-us?gclid=Cj0KCQjwi7GnBhDXARIsAFLvH4mZsk3WGIa__pacyCHLR-0kXaq_4IdPAeQzzuNHebPCBJgg313csj8aAmGsEALw_wcB&gclsrc=aw.ds NGS Super].
Launch vehicles
= RASTA test rocket =
RASTA (Reusable Ascent SeparaTion Article) was a sub-orbital sounding rocket launched by Gilmour Space on 22 July 2016,{{Citation|title=Gilmour Space - 1st RASTA hybrid rocket launch| date=17 December 2019 |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MvKm_s7DZoY|language=en|access-date=2021-04-12}} propelled by a proprietary hybrid rocket engine. It performed nominally during the test flight and reached an apogee of 5 km. RASTA was the first launch vehicle flown by Gilmour Space and was the world's first demonstration of a rocket launch using 3D printed fuel.{{Cite web|last=hermes|date=2016-08-03|title=3D printing taking off in emerging 'space' in Singapore|url=https://www.straitstimes.com/tech/3d-printing-taking-off-in-emerging-space-in-singapore|access-date=2019-11-06|website=The Straits Times|language=en}}
= One Vision suborbital rocket =
One Vision was a sub-orbital sounding rocket designed to test Gilmour Space's new mobile launch platform and their hybrid rocket engines.{{Cite web|last=Space|first=Gilmour|date=2019-02-01|title=Gilmour Space unveils One Vision rocket ahead of suborbital test launch|url=https://www.gspacetech.com/post/2019-one-vision-unveiled|access-date=2021-04-12|website=Gilmour Space|language=en}}{{Cite web|last=Space|first=Gilmour|date=2019-07-30|title=One Vision statement|url=https://www.gspacetech.com/post/one-vision-statement|access-date=2021-04-12|website=Gilmour Space|language=en}} On 29 July 2019, One Vision was prepared and fuelled for its maiden test flight, however, during the countdown to launch, the vehicle suffered an anomaly, resulting in a premature end to the mission. The anomaly was caused by a pressure regulator in the oxidiser tank that had failed to maintain required pressure, causing damage to the tank. According to the company, after a detailed investigation into the anomaly, 15 key recommendations were implemented into the design of Eris. As part of the One Vision launch campaign, the company also designed and built a mobile rocket launch platform (as there were no commercial Australian launch sites at the time), which was successfully tested during the campaign.
= Eris-1 (Orbital rocket) =
File:ERIS-08-2020-render-painted 208 edited p.png
Gilmour Space is currently developing its Eris Block 1 rocket, a three-stage small-lift launch vehicle designed to launch up to 300 kg of payload to low Earth orbit. The vehicle is known to have four of Gilmour's Sirius hybrid rocket motors propelling the first stage, another Sirius motor in its second stage, and a new Phoenix liquid rocket engine in its third stage. Eris has a height of 25m and a diameter of 2m for the first stage, which tapers at the interstage of the first and second stage to 1.5m.{{Cite web |title=LAUNCH |url=https://www.gspacetech.com/launch|access-date=2021-04-12 |website=Gilmour Space |language=en}} The payload fairing has 2 diameter versions, either 1.5m or 1.2m.{{Cite web |title=LAUNCH |url=https://www.gspacetech.com/launch |access-date=2021-04-23 |website=Gilmour Space |language=en}} Eris Block 1 will be the first Australian orbital rocket to launch from Australia, and the first orbital launch attempt from Australia in over 50 years. Moreover, if successful, Eris could be the world's first hybrid rocket to achieve orbit.
Eris first went vertical on the launchpad on 11 April 2024 in preparation for launch,{{Cite web |date=2024-04-11 |title=Australia's first locally-made orbital rocket goes vertical for the first time |url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2024-04-12/australias-first-locally-made-orbital-rocket-goes-vertical/103692582 |access-date=2024-04-12 |website=www.abc.net.au |language=en-AU}} and successfully conducted its first full wet dress rehearsal on 30 September 2024.{{Cite news |date=30 September 2024 |title=Eris completes first wet dress rehearsal |url=https://www.australiandefence.com.au/news/news/eris-completes-first-wet-dress-rehearsal |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20250119111938/https://www.australiandefence.com.au/news/news/eris-completes-first-wet-dress-rehearsal |archive-date=19 January 2025 |access-date=19 January 2025 |work=Australian Defence Magazine}} Gilmour Space was granted a launch permit for Eris by the Australian Space Agency (ASA) on 4 November.{{Cite news |last=Mahe |first=Danielle |date=4 November 2024 |title=Gilmour Space Technologies given green light to launch Australia's first commercial orbital rocket |url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2024-11-04/gilmour-space-technologies-orbital-rocket-launch-permit-granted/104503690 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20250119112822/https://amp.abc.net.au/article/104503690 |archive-date=19 January 2025 |access-date=19 January 2025 |work=Australian Broadcasting Corporation}} The second and final wet test was conducted in early December, and the company received regulatory approval from the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) on 19 February 2025.{{Cite news |last=Riley |first=James |date=11 December 2024 |title=Countdown: Gilmour Space closes in on Testflight One mission |url=https://www.innovationaus.com/countdown-gilmour-space-closes-in-on-testflight-one-mission/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20250119113258/https://www.innovationaus.com/countdown-gilmour-space-closes-in-on-testflight-one-mission/ |archive-date=19 January 2025 |access-date=19 January 2025 |work=InnovationAus.com}}{{Cite news |last=Bennett |first=Tess |date=19 February 2025 |title=Aussie firm sets March date for rocket launch |url=https://www.afr.com/technology/aussie-firm-sets-march-date-for-rocket-launch-20250219-p5ld9u |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20250301212613/https://www.afr.com/technology/aussie-firm-sets-march-date-for-rocket-launch-20250219-p5ld9u |archive-date=1 March 2025 |access-date=5 April 2025 |work=Australian Financial Review}} Following multiple delays attributed to Tropical Cyclone Alfred, Gilmour was forced to further postpone the launch attempt.{{Cite news |last=Thorn |first=Adam |date=25 March 2025 |title=Gilmour now targets April for first launch |url=https://www.spaceconnectonline.com.au/launch/6508-gilmour-now-targets-april-for-first-launch |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20250404202845/https://www.spaceconnectonline.com.au/launch/6508-gilmour-now-targets-april-for-first-launch |archive-date=4 April 2025 |access-date=5 April 2025 |work=Space Connect}}
On 4 May 2025, Gilmour announced that it had received approval from CASA to open a launch window starting on 15 May. However, problems with the payload fairing resulted in the first launch attempt being scrubbed.{{Cite web |last=Clark |first=Stephen |date=2025-05-16 |title=The top fell off Australia's first orbital-class rocket, delaying its launch |url=https://arstechnica.com/space/2025/05/the-top-fell-off-australias-first-orbital-class-rocket-delaying-its-launch/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20250516055724/https://arstechnica.com/space/2025/05/the-top-fell-off-australias-first-orbital-class-rocket-delaying-its-launch/ |archive-date=2025-05-16 |access-date=2025-05-23 |website=Ars Technica |language=en}} This was preceded by a separate issue with the ground support system that caused a 24-hour delay. The company stated that a thorough investigation would be conducted into the cause of the anomaly affecting the payload fairing, and that they hoped to get Eris back on the pad by June.{{Cite news |last=Hendry |first=Justin |date=16 May 2025 |title=Gilmour Space scrubs launch after electrical fault |url=https://www.innovationaus.com/gilmour-space-scrub-launch-after-electrical-fault/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20250524144117/https://www.innovationaus.com/gilmour-space-scrub-launch-after-electrical-fault/ |archive-date=24 May 2025 |access-date=25 May 2025 |work=InnovationAus.com}}
On 19 May, Adam Gilmour revealed that the issue with the fairing had been attributed to a technical fault during pre-flight checks. Gilmour explained that the fairing separation mechanisms had been pressurised with gas, but when electricity to the second stage was turned off, this caused the explosive bolts to fire prematurely. However, the system itself was said to have functioned properly, and a replacement nose cone was sent to Bowen from the company’s Gold Coast factory.{{Cite news |last=Riley |first=James |date=19 May 2025 |title=Podcast: Adam Gilmour opens up on scrubbed mission |url=https://www.innovationaus.com/podcast-adam-gilmour-opens-up-on-scrubbed-missions/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20250524145644/https://www.innovationaus.com/podcast-adam-gilmour-opens-up-on-scrubbed-missions/ |archive-date=24 May 2025 |access-date=25 May 2025 |work=InnovationAus.com}}
Eris' maiden flight will be the first orbital launch attempt of an Australian rocket from Australian soil, according to co-founder and CEO Adam Gilmour.{{Cite web |author1=Andrew Jones |date=2025-02-26 |title=The 1st Australian rocket to launch from Australian soil could reach orbit next month |url=https://www.space.com/gilmour-space-eris-rocket-1st-orbital-launch-australian-soil |access-date=2025-02-26 |website=Space.com |language=en}} He noted that each second of flight will improve the rocket's reliability and performance for future launches.
= Further Eris variants =
Gilmour Space has revealed it is developing an Eris Block 2 vehicle capable of lifting up to 1,000 kg to low Earth orbit, which is expected to enter commercial service in 2026. The company has also unveiled future plans for an Eris Heavy variant, which would be capable of lifting 4,000 kg payloads into orbit. If built, Eris Heavy would be classified as a medium-lift launch vehicle, potentially capable of carrying human-rated spacecraft.{{Cite web |last=Hava |first=Chloe |date=20 October 2022 |title=Inside the countdown to Australia's first homegrown rocket launch |url=https://createdigital.org.au/australias-first-homegrown-rocket-launch/ |access-date=3 June 2024 |website=Create Digital}}
= Engine static tests =
Since starting its rocket program in 2015, Gilmour Space has conducted hundreds of engine static test firings, most recently:
Bowen Orbital Spaceport (BOS)
In May 2021, results from an environmental and technical study conducted by the Queensland Government for Abbot Point, Bowen gave Gilmour the green light to begin work on an orbital launch facility located in the Abbot Point Development Area.{{Cite web |last=Alexandra Cooper |date=2021-05-21 |title=Gilmour Space to build Abbot Point rocket launch site |url=https://www.manmonthly.com.au/news/gilmour-space-build-abbot-point-rocket-launch-site/ |access-date=2021-10-07 |website=Manufacturers' Monthly |language=en-AU}}
Since then, the company has engaged with the indigenous Juru people{{Cite web |last=Space |first=Gilmour |date=2021-12-14 |title=Juru Traditional Owners support rocket launches from Bowen |url=https://www.gspace.com/post/juru-traditional-owners-support-rocket-launches-from-bowen |access-date=2023-08-29 |website=Gilmour Space |language=en}}{{Cite web |last=Space |first=Gilmour |date=2022-03-07 |title=Juru Smoke Ceremony Ushers in a New Space Future for QLD, Australia |url=https://www.gspace.com/post/juru-smoke-ceremony-ushers-in-a-new-space-future-for-qld-australia |access-date=2023-08-29 |website=Gilmour Space |language=en}} and local businesses to construct the Bowen Orbital Spaceport. When approved, this privately operated site will provide Gilmour Space with launch access to 20° to 65° low- to mid-inclination equatorial orbits.
Following final approvals from the Federal Government and Australian Space Agency, BOS became Australia's first commercial orbital spaceport on the 5th of March 2024,{{Cite web |title=Green Light for First Australian Orbital Spaceport in Bowen, QLD |url=https://www.gspace.com/post/green-light-for-first-australian-orbital-spaceport-in-bowen-qld |access-date=2024-03-26 |website=www.gspace.com|date=5 March 2024 }} with its maiden launch of Eris-1 (also Australia's first orbital launch vehicle) originally planned for later in 2024.{{Cite web |last=Space |first=Gilmour |date=2024-04-05 |title=Gilmour Space launches Bowen Orbital Spaceport in north QLD |url=https://www.gspace.com/post/gilmour-space-launches-bowen-orbital-spaceport |access-date=2024-04-09 |website=Gilmour Space |language=en}} Following delays with the issuance of launch permits, this was pushed back to March 2025, but licensing issues continued to delay the launch.{{Cite web |last=Mannix |first=Liam |date=2025-03-21 |title=Failure to launch: The huge rocket 'stuck' in a small Australian town |url=https://www.smh.com.au/national/failure-to-launch-the-huge-rocket-stuck-in-a-small-australian-town-20250321-p5llez.html |access-date=2025-03-24 |website=The Sydney Morning Herald |language=en}}
Statistics
Launches
Launch attempts are listed chronologically. Launches are expected to take place "no earlier than" (NET) the listed date.
= 2025 =
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Others
In February 2018 (since lapsed), Gilmour Space signed a reimbursable Space Act Agreement with NASA to collaborate on various research, technology development and educational initiatives, including the testing of its MARS rover at Kennedy Space Center.{{Cite web |last=Grubb |first=Ben |date=2018-02-19 |title=Aussie rocket brothers ink NASA deal as local space agency wait continues |url=https://www.smh.com.au/technology/aussie-rocket-brothers-ink-nasa-deal-as-local-space-agency-wait-continues-20180219-p4z0w0.html |access-date=2018-06-15 |website=The Sydney Morning Herald |language=en}}
In December 2019, Gilmour Space signed a statement of strategic intent with the Australian Space Agency as a demonstration of its commitment to launch Australia to space.{{Cite web|url=https://www.karenandrewsmp.com.au/media/scaling-up-for-the-next-generation-of-rocket-technology/|title=SCALING UP FOR THE NEXT GENERATION OF ROCKET TECHNOLOGY|website=Karen Andrews MP|date=11 December 2019 |language=en-AU|access-date=2020-01-23}}
In June 2022, it was confirmed that Gilmour Space had been awarded a federal Modern Manufacturing Initiative Collaboration grant worth $52 million to establish the Australian Space Manufacturing Network (ASMN).{{Cite web |last=Space |first=Gilmour |date=2023-06-07 |title=Gilmour Space confirms MMI funding for Australian Space Manufacturing Network |url=https://www.gspace.com/post/gilmour-space-confirms-mmi-funding-for-australian-space-manufacturing-network |access-date=2023-08-29 |website=Gilmour Space |language=en}}
In mid-2024, construction was finalised on a 10,000 sqm advanced manufacturing facility in Yatala, Queensland, which will also serve as Gilmour Space’s new headquarters. The facility is a large warehouse with an annexe for corporate offices, and is located within the Stockland Distribution Centre South.{{Cite news |last=Bennett |first=Tess |date=4 November 2024 |title=Gold Coast rocket company gets green light for first launch |url=https://www.afr.com/technology/gold-coast-rocket-company-gets-green-light-for-first-launch-20241103-p5kni0 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20241104151020/https://www.afr.com/technology/gold-coast-rocket-company-gets-green-light-for-first-launch-20241103-p5kni0 |archive-date=4 November 2024 |access-date=7 February 2025 |work=Australian Financial Review}}
References
{{Reflist}}
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Category:Private spaceflight companies
Category:Aerospace companies of Australia