Unlikely suspect caught red-handed over failed rocket launch in Bowen, Qld

An unlikely suspect has emerged during the investigation into the technical issue that caused the first Australian-made rocket launch to be delayed.

An unlikely suspect has been caught red-handed during an investigation to find out what caused an electrical issue that delayed the first Australian-made rocket launch in Queensland.

Gilmour Space Technologies was due to launch its 23m Eris rocket on May 15 from a cattle paddock in Bowen, but it was aborted after an issue in the ground support system was identified.

It was set to launch again the following day, but an electrical issue triggered the system to open the rocket’s nose cone.

An electrical issue forced a planned rocket launch to be delayed. Picture: Supplied

Gilmour Space posted a photo of a suspect cockatoo chewing electrical wires at its launch pad in Bowen.

“Not saying this is the root cause of our electrical issues … but we’re not ruling him out,” a spokesman said in the post.

The post has been flooded with comments from people saying, “Lucky he didn’t launch, could have turned into a flamin’ galah.”

“Only an Sulphur crested could stop a rocket from launching,” another person said.

“So computers have bugs and rockets have cockatoos,” a person commented.

“New thunder bird in Action!” another said.

“The single most destructive parrot/cockatoo of all time.”

A cockatoo has copped the blame for a failed rocket launch. Picture: Gilmour Space Technologies

The test flight would have been the first time an Australian-made rocket had been launched into orbit, carrying a jar of Vegemite of course.

A new launch window will be announced by the company once confirmed.

Gilmour Space chief executive officer Adam Gilmour said the good news was their team and rocket were both fine.

“While we’re disappointed by the delay, we’re already working through a resolution and expect to be back on the pad soon,” he said.

“This is all part of the journey.”

Originally published as Unlikely suspect caught red-handed over failed rocket launch in Bowen, Qld