Gold Coast space technology company test-fires rocket ahead of space launch

A GOLD Coast company aiming for the stars now have the proof they are close to being able to send a rocket into space. SEE THE VIDEO

TWO brothers’ dream of sending a Gold Coast rocket into space within two years is another step closer to reality.

Adam and James Gilmour, bosses of the Yatala-based Gilmour Space Technologies, have conducted two tests of its first full-scale orbital engine.

The tests, which went to plan, sets the stage for the launch of the first commercial-class rockets into suborbital space by 2019, and low Earth orbit by 2020.

Adam Gilmour. Picture: Scott Fletcher

Company chief executive and founder Adam Gilmour said his team was targeting a suborbital test rocket launch from Australia in the second quarter of this year.

“We conducted two successful engine tests in December, one of which was a low-pressure test-fire that generated 45 kilonewtons, which is more than 10,100 pounds-force of thrust,” he said.

“This is significantly more thrust than some of our small satellite launch competitors’ main engines, and we expect to do much better in our full-pressure and full-duration test firings later this month.”

Space awaits! Picture: Scott Fletcher

In November, the company completed tests of a high-thrust “interplanetary” system, which could be used to power cube-sized satellites or spacecraft into the orbit of the Moon or Mars.

“These are big achievements in hybrid rocket technology and a big leap for Australia’s New Space industry,” Mr Gilmore said.