On July 30, 2025, Gilmour Space Technologies conducted the inaugural test flight of its Eris rocket from the Bowen Orbital Spaceport in Queensland. The 23-meter rocket, powered by hybrid propulsion, achieved liftoff but experienced an anomaly approximately 14 seconds into flight, resulting in a crash. No injuries were reported, and the launch infrastructure remained intact.
Despite the early termination, the event marked a significant milestone for Australia's space industry. CEO Adam Gilmour expressed optimism, noting that the launch demonstrated the nation's capability to design, build, and launch rockets domestically. The company plans to analyze the flight data to identify the cause of the anomaly and apply lessons learned to future missions.
The Australian Space Agency and other stakeholders have been supportive of Gilmour Space's efforts, viewing the test flight as a crucial step toward developing a commercial space industry in the region. The company intends to continue refining its technology and aims to conduct subsequent launches in the coming months.
This launch was the first orbital attempt from Australian soil in over five decades, highlighting the nation's growing ambitions in space exploration and technology development.