Gilmour Space Secures Australia’s First Orbital Launch Permit; Maiden Flight Just Weeks Away

Gilmour Space Technologies has received a launch permit from the Australian Space Agency for the maiden orbital test of its Eris rocket. The launch, expected to lift off from Bowen Orbital Spaceport in northern Queensland, marks Australia’s first orbital launch permit and could take place as soon as December.

“With this green light, we will soon attempt the first orbital test flight of an Australian-made rocket from Australian soil,” - Adam Gilmour, CEO of Gilmour Space

The permit’s approval signals the culmination of years of planning and innovation for the Gold Coast-based company, which has invested heavily in building both a local supply chain and a robust workforce.

Final Hurdles Before Liftoff

The launch permit, granted under Australia’s Space (Launches & Returns) Act 2018, comes with several conditions that must be met prior to launch. The conditions attached to the license appear fairly standard and involve approvals for necessary airspace closures and final checks.

Among these are a mandatory 30-day notification period, airspace closure approvals, and thorough documentation of final system tests.

“Our team is assessing the conditions of the permit and will advise on the anticipated launch date for Eris TestFlight1 in the coming weeks,” - Adam Gilmour, CEO of Gilmour Space

Due to the notification requirement, the earliest the launch could occur is early December. Gilmour Space's goal is to launch this year but they have also recognized that the holiday period will present logistical challenges to their team, including travel to and accommodations at the launch site. If a December launch isn’t feasible, then will be early January.

Overcoming Delays

Originally aiming for a May launch, Gilmour Space encountered delays as the Australian Space Agency evaluated its license application.

“It was possible that the Australian Space Agency underestimated the time and resources needed to evaluate the license application, particularly given the small size of the agency...Ultimately, our priority, shared by the agency, is for a safe and successful launch. Taking the extra time to ensure that they are fully confident in our vehicle, flight path, and safety measures would therefore come first, even above the launch schedule.” - Michelle Gilmour, Gilmour Space spokesperson

While awaiting regulatory approval, Gilmour Space continued its launch preparations. In September, the team conducted a wet dress rehearsal, fueling the Eris rocket and progressing through a countdown that halted just 10 seconds before launch. This exercise allowed engineers to resolve issues, including the replacement of two faulty valves and minor software updates.

Eris Rocket

The Eris rocket, designed to carry payloads of up to 215 kilograms to a 500-kilometer sun-synchronous orbit or 305 kilograms to a 500-kilometer equatorial orbit, features innovative hybrid propulsion technology developed in-house. Eris’s first two stages use a combination of a liquid oxidizer and solid fuel, while the upper stage is powered by a liquid-propellant engine.

With over $140 million AUD in funding to date, including a $55 million AUD Series D round earlier this year, Gilmour Space has expanded its workforce to more than 200 employees and forged partnerships with over 300 Australian suppliers. The company has received support from local, state, and federal governments, including an official opening of Bowen Orbital Spaceport in April by former Queensland Deputy Premier Cameron Dick.

Australia’s Growing Space Hub

The launch permit marks a pivotal moment for the Whitsundays region.

“The launch approval marks an incredible milestone for Bowen and the Whitsundays region. The team at Gilmour Space have been fantastic to work with, and their commitment to engaging Bowen residents in this journey is a model of proactive community involvement. Success here isn’t just about reaching orbit—it’s about positioning Bowen as a key player in Australia’s journey to space. This is just the beginning.” - Ry Collins, Whitsunday Regional Council Mayor

“That’s why we’ve invested in our Business Attraction & Expansion programs—to support businesses like Gilmour Space. This homegrown company is reinvesting in itself and in our city, creating high-value jobs and opportunities for the next generation of Gold Coast innovators.” - Tom Tate, For Gold Coast Mayor

With its inaugural orbital launch just weeks away, Gilmour Space stands ready to cement its place as a trailblazer in Australian space exploration.

“This launch isn’t just about reaching orbit. It’s about realizing Australia’s potential as a player in the global space industry.” - Adam Gilmour, CEO of Gilmour Space