Aussie-founded Gilmour Space begin countdown before launch day

Fingers are crossed and the launch site in Bowen is being prepared as an Australian company is aiming to make history with the first Australian-designed and built rocket. SEE WHEN TAKEOFF IS EXPECTED.

Gilmour Space Technologies has set a date for the launch of its Eris rocket from a space station near the northern Queensland town of Bowen. Picture: Supplied/Gilmour Space Technologies.,

Bowen is about to take one giant leap as the staging ground for an Australian company to make history with the first Australian-designed and built rocket to aim for orbit.

Scheduled to be launched anytime from 7:30am to 5:30pm on Thursday May 15, Gilmour Space’s Eris TestFlight 1 will be the first Aussie made rocket to attempt to go into orbit.

There is a warning for residents and visitors of hazards on land, in the air and on the water possible.

The company has also advised due to the unpredictable nature of first rocket launches, it is not advised that spectators gather near the site.

Those in Bowen who wish to observe from a distance can do so at public locations such as Coral Beach, Grays Beach and Lions Park.

The launch will be the first orbital launch attempt in Australia in over 50 years and if successful will be a huge step forward for the country’s space industry as global space travel heats up with heavy hitters such as Elon Musk’s SpaceX.

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

CEO Adam Gilmour told The Australian this week that they were hoping to beat SpaceX by achieving orbit on their third attempt, one fewer than the Elon Musk helmed outfit managed in 2008.

In order to chalk Thursday’s launch up as a win, they’ll be aiming to get the rocket off the launch pad and in the air for around 10 seconds.

“That’s like winning a soccer match one-nil,” Mr Gilmour said.

“Two-nil is 30 seconds and all the way to first stage is three-nil, then it just gets better from there.”

The Aussie rocket, Eris TestFlight 1 hoping to reach Low Earth Orbit where satellites reach an altitude of roughly 2000km above the Earth’s surface.

Gilmour Space, founded by two Queensland brothers in 2015, was granted the first orbital launch facility licence in March 2024.

Preparations began at the company’s Bowen Orbital Spaceport (BOS) and excitement built as the launch date got closer.

Housed within the Abbot Point State Development Area in Bowen, BOS is the first licensed commercial orbital facility in Australia.

Gilmour Space has advised the launch will not be live-streamed but footage will be released after if the launch goes ahead.

Due to the planned rocket launch’s proximity to Abbot Point, exclusion zones have been put in place around the area for mariners in order to ensure their safety.

Similar restrictions and areas have also been put in place for pilots operating in the area.

Those in the area should check the official hazards map and live updates on the launch time can be found via www.gspace.com/missions

Originally published as Aussie-founded Gilmour Space begin countdown before launch day