Gilmour Space could launch rocket from Bowen by the end of the year after approval granted

A Gold-Coast based company could be launching an Australian-made rocket out of North Queensland by the end of the year, after securing a key approval.

James and Adam Gilmour, the co-foudners of Queensland start-up Gilmour Space

A Gold-Coast based company could be launching an Australian-made rocket out of Bowen by the end of the year, after securing a key approval.

Australia’s first orbital launch permit has been granted to Gilmour Space Technologies for its maiden Eris rocket launch from the Bowen Orbital Spaceport, through Industry, Science Minister Ed Husic and the Australian Space Agency.

Gilmour Space co-founder Adam Gilmour called it a major milestone, and said they will set a launch date soon.

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

Gilmour Space Technologies celebrated the opening of the Bowen Spaceport ahead of the company's first rocket launch. Picture: Estelle Sanchez

In September, the company announced it had successfully completed a major wet dress rehearsal of its Eris launch vehicle, progressing the countdown to T-10 seconds.
Whitsunday mayor Ry Collins, posting on LinkedIn, said there was “some hope” of a launch before the end of the year.

“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,” Mr Collins said.

“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.”

Gold Coast Mayor Tom Tate has seen the company grow from a ‘shed in Pimpama’ to the largest space manufacturer in Australia.

Gilmour Space is on the cusp of launching its first rocket into orbit.

“That’s why we’ve invested in our Business Attraction and 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.

“You certainly don’t have to be a rocket scientist to live on the Gold Coast, but if you are, we’ve got a job here for you too.”

Since launching its rocket program in 2015, Gilmour Space has expanded to over 200 employees, built a local supply chain of more than 300 Australian companies, the company said.

Its Bowen spaceport is one of only a few private orbital launch sites globally.

An Australian launch permit is required under the Space (Launches and Returns) Act 2018 to launch an object from Australia to an altitude of over 100 kilometres.

It comes with a number of conditions that must be met before launch, and a mandatory 30-day notification period.