Gilmour Space Technologies warns launch could be postponed ‘multiple times’

NASA’s scrub of its giant moon rocket launch shows how hard it is for rocketmen to stick to a schedule but our own Aussie space gurus say rockets will blast off from Bowen next year if everything comes together. Here’s what needs to happen.

The delayed launch of NASA’s massive SLS rocket shows nothing is certain in the space business and our own Aussie gurus have warned their much-anticipated North Queensland blast-off could be delayed “multiple times”.

Gilmour Space Technologies’ Bowen spaceport is pegged to launch two orbital space vehicles per year out to 2025 but the original June 2022 launch date has already been pushed back to 2023.

Co-founder James Gilmour said NASA’s experience on Monday night demonstrated the myriad complexities that can stymie a company’s best-laid plans.

A view from the crawler-way of the massive Artemis I Space Launch System rocket and Orion spacecraft at Launch Pad 39B after rolling out from the Vehicle Assembly Building for a second time at the Kennedy Space Center in Florida on June 6, 2022. Photo: Gregg Newton, AFP)

“A key takeaway is that the launch process is complex,” he said.

“In terms of managing expectations, rocket company schedules are always very challenging, to pinpoint a day and time.

“As we lead up to our pending launch, that communication around managing expectations will be a key aspect.”

A range of factors need to click together perfectly for a successful launch, from the right weather to flight and ground operations checks.

“In a nutshell, it is likely the launch could be postponed or scrubbed multiple times to allow for small technical modifications,” he said.

Gold Coast-based Gilmour Space Technology co-founders Adam (left) and James Gilmour. Picture: Supplied

“High winds and heavy rain will likely result in a postponement.”

Gilmour Space is also battling the standard challenges engulfing most businesses, such as staff shortages, disrupted supply chains and rising input costs.

Mr Gilmour is nonetheless confident he has the team in place to elevate Australia into space.

“I think we have the team to get us to space,” he said.

“We are going to attempt that huge feat, demonstrating a sovereign space capability that has never been seen before in Australia.”

Mr Gilmour said the construction of the spaceport had progressed “significantly well” in the past two months and the company’s dreams remained on track.

Gilmour Space Technologies’ Bowen spaceport is pegged to launch two orbital space vehicles per year. Picture: Supplied

“In the coming months, we will be looking to get that (the spaceport) operationally ready in the lead up to taking delivery of the vehicle (the rocket),” he said.

The fully integrated rocket will be 23m in length.

The sight of rocket launches in Bowen could add yet another string to the Whitsundays’ tourism bow.

Merinda Village Hotel manager Debra Reason is looking forward to lift-off.

“I think it’s going to be fantastic,” she said.

“We’ve got the perfect viewing point from our motel of the rocket launch.

“We’re working towards having rocket launch parties.”

In another sign of the region’s space dreams transforming into reality, Resources Centre of Excellence chief Steven Boxall will host NASA astronaut Susan Kilrain on September 19, a first for Mackay.

“We are running a program called Space 2101, it is a global program aimed at getting kids focused on pursuing space careers,” he said.

Mackay is the only city in Australia to host the program and Mrs Kilrain will speak to 50 children about her experiences as a commander in space.

Mr Boxall said Gilmour Space’s progress and the visit from Mrs Kilrain demonstrated the space industry was now a part of the Mackay Whitsundays fabric.

“It (Gilmour Space) has taken people from thinking the only way to have a career in space is to be a white suit and part of the NASA program but actually there is a whole new industry in building rocket ships, the manufacturing and assembly of those rockets and satellites, and that is all right here right now, happening in Queensland.

“And you can be a part of what is happening right here in Mackay and the Whitsundays.”