Insider Brief
- Gilmour Space Technologies has secured Australia’s first orbital launch permit, which was issued by the Australian Space Agency under the Space (Launches & Returns) Act 2018.
- The permit is a critical step toward Gilmour’s upcoming Eris TestFlight1, which aims to be the first orbital test flight of an Australian-made rocket launched from Australian soil.
- The team is currently reviewing the permit’s conditions and will announce an official launch date in the coming weeks.
Gilmour Space Technologies announced it has secured Australia’s first orbital launch permit for the company’s Eris rocket. Issued by the Australian Space Agency under the Space (Launches & Returns) Act 2018, this permit is a critical step toward Gilmour’s upcoming Eris TestFlight1, which aims to be the first orbital test flight of an Australian-made rocket launched from Australian soil.
Minister for Industry and Science Ed Husic MP granted the permit, acknowledging the rigorous safety and compliance requirements involved. Gilmour’s CEO, Adam Gilmour, emphasized the significance of this approval, calling it a breakthrough for both his company and the broader Australian space sector. The team is currently reviewing the permit’s conditions and will announce an official launch date in the coming weeks.
This development comes on the heels of Gilmour’s earlier success in March when it received Australia’s first orbital launch facility license for the Bowen Orbital Spaceport, located in north Queensland. The site officially opened in April, marking it as one of the few private orbital launch sites globally. Gilmour’s Bowen spaceport will cater primarily to low- and mid-inclination orbits, providing crucial infrastructure as the company works toward multiple test launches to validate Eris and its new propulsion technologies.
Gilmour Space has steadily expanded its operations since launching its rocket program in 2015. With over 200 employees and a supply chain network involving more than 300 Australian companies, the company has drawn substantial private investment and government support. The business has also built strong ties with local communities, particularly in Queensland, where both the Whitsunday Regional Council and Gold Coast officials see Gilmour as a catalyst for economic growth and technical innovation.
Whitsunday Regional Council Mayor Ry Collins highlighted the impact of Gilmour’s work on the region, noting the company’s proactive approach in engaging local residents and fostering support. “The team at Gilmour Space have been fantastic to work with,” said Collins. “Their commitment to engaging Bowen residents in this journey is a model of proactive community involvement.”
Echoing this sentiment, Gold Coast Mayor Tom Tate pointed to Gilmour’s growth as an example of how public-private support can drive innovation and job creation. “That’s why we’ve invested in our Business Attraction & Expansion programs—to support businesses like Gilmour Space,” Tate stated, adding that the company’s success represents an ongoing opportunity for local high-value jobs and technological development on the Gold Coast.
Image credit: Gilmour Space
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