CNBC AI News reports that Gilmour Space Corporation’s inaugural Eris rocket launch ended in failure on July 29th at 6:35 PM local time in Australia, marking a setback for the country’s ambitions in the burgeoning commercial space sector.
Video footage from the launch site shows the rocket veering off course shortly after liftoff. The Eris plummeted back to Earth a mere 14 seconds into its flight, resulting in a dramatic explosion.
This launch held significant weight, as it represented Australia’s first attempt to design, manufacture, and launch a rocket indigenously. The mission’s core objective was to validate the rocket’s fundamental design and overall performance, paving the way for future commercial launch endeavors.
Despite the premature end to the test flight, Gilmour Space co-founder Adam Gilmour expressed a sense of optimism on social media. “Rocket cleared the pad, so I’m very happy,” he stated, highlighting a sliver of success amidst the broader disappointment.
Gilmour Space echoed this sentiment in a post-launch statement: “Today, Eris became the first Australian-made, Australian-launched orbital rocket from home soil – 14 seconds of flight, 23 seconds of engine burn, a huge step towards launch capability, team is safe, data in hand, eyes now set on TestFlight 2.” The company’s resilience suggests a commitment to refining their technology and continuing towards their overarching goals.
Founded in 2015 by Adam and James Gilmour, Gilmour Space aims to establish Australia as a prominent player in the global space race.
The Eris rocket, the company’s flagship vehicle, is a two-stage small launch vehicle meticulously engineered to deliver small satellites into Low Earth Orbit (LEO).
The 25-meter rocket leverages lightweight composite materials and a modular design. Its unique selling proposition is its in-house developed hybrid rocket engine, which combines a liquid oxidizer with solid fuel, and incorporates both core stage one and stage two technologies.
With a designed payload capacity of approximately 300-400 kg, Eris is intended to transport payloads to a 500 km Sun-Synchronous Orbit (SSO), making it a suitable option for the burgeoning small satellite and CubeSat launch market.
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