Australia-based rocket startup Gilmour Space intends to fly its orbital launch vehicle, Eris, in 2024. Prior to this year’s planned flight, the corporation tested every part of the rocket in the preceding months.
Gilmour said that small satellites can be launched into low-Earth orbit with their 35-ton Eris rocket.
The first launch of Eris is scheduled over the upcoming weeks. The Australian Space Agency has not yet granted the launch, known as TestFlight 1, final approval.
Australia’s First Authorized Orbital Spaceport was Established by Gilmour Space
On April 4, Gilmour Space launched Bowen orbiting Spaceport, Australia’s first authorized orbiting spaceport, in advance of its rocket launch. The spaceport, which is located in north Queensland, will be a crucial location for spacecraft arrivals and launches.
“Australia now has its own road to space. Thanks to the vision and support of our investors, partners, government, and local Juru people and community in this region,” stated Adam Gilmour, the CEO and co-founder of Gilmour Space. “We look forward to providing essential access to space to our global customers and their innovative space technologies from the Bowen Orbital Spaceport in Australia.”
Launchpad Serving Gilmour Space’s International Clientele
As one of just three launch companies in the world, Gilmour Space claims to have a dedicated launch pad, guaranteeing a steady launch schedule after the rocket has safely entered orbit.
“It will be a launch pad for our global customers to deploy their satellite technologies, such as for communications, earth imagery, disaster resilience, water management, border protection and Defence,” explained Adam.
Assembled on-site, Gilmour Space’s three-stage rocket is ready for its first launch in the upcoming weeks. It is comparable to Rocket Lab’s Electron rocket in that it has the capacity to launch up to 305 kg (672 lbs) into low Earth orbit.
Potent Rocket engine of Gilmour Space
The first and second stages of Gilmour’s flagship hybrid rocket engine, Sirius, will propel the Eris rocket into orbit.
To power the first stage will be four Sirius hybrid rocket motors. Second stage power will come from a single Sirius rocket engine that runs on a combination of liquid oxidizer and a unique solid fuel. Fueled by liquid oxygen and rocket-grade kerosene, the third stage will be powered by the Phoenix rocket engine.
In November 2022, the business effectively concluded the Sirius hybrid rocket engine’s final qualification test-fire.
A record-breaking 115 kilonewtons, or 25,850 pounds of force, of stable and effective combustion were produced by the engine. According to the business, this rocket engine is the most potent ever created in Australia, and it successfully completed its job without ever failing.
Since it began operations in 2015, Gilmour Space has established itself as the premier supplier of launch vehicles and satellite platforms built in Australia that will reduce the cost of space access.
