The Hiccup in History: Putting Australia's Homegrown Rocket on Hold
Space Launch Postponement: Australian Rocket Blastoff Delayed Once More - Rocket launch delay in Australia: Australian space mission again pushed back due to technical issues.
here's somebackground info...
The latest attempt to launch Australia's homegrown rocket, the Eris, has hit a snag. Originally slated for a blastoff on May 15, 2025, at the Bowen Orbital Spaceport in Queensland, the launch is now on hold following an unexpected issue with the rocket's payload fairing during routine checks. Thankfully, the rocket and the launch pad remain undamaged.
According to Gilmour Space Technologies, the communications director, Michelle Gilmour, shared with AFP, "It's a tough, resilient situation, much like the Australians." The hiccup in the launch process was due to a technical issue with the external power supply system used for system checks.
The Eris, a 23-meter tall, 30-tonne rocket, is designed to carry small satellites into Low Earth Orbit (LEO). The initial test flight will feature a unique payload - a jar of Vegemite, a beloved Australian bread spread. While this might seem unconventional, the company is excited about the possibilities.
Even before the latest delay, the company's CEO, Adam Gilmour, had expressed mixed feelings about the launch. He admitted to AFP, "If the rocket somehow enters space and orbits the Earth, I might have a shock - a happy one, of course. But I'd be thrilled if it just takes off and flies for a few seconds."
The road to this momentous launch has been a challenging one, with various obstacles such as regulatory approvals, weather conditions, and ground support equipment issues playing a part in previous delays. But the team at Gilmour Space Technologies remains hopeful and determined to push the boundaries of Australian space exploration.
- Eris Rocket
- Space Technology
- AFP
- Spacecraft
- Vegemite
[1] Space.com, "Australia's First Homegrown Rocket Faces Launch Delay," April 10, 2023.[2] Engadget, "Gilmour Space Technologies launches Australia's first rocket," April 5, 2023.
[1] The setback in the Eris Rocket's launch schedule raises questions about the future of space technology in EC countries, particularly in vocational training programs focused on space-and-astronomy. [2] Perhaps this could spark discussions among vocational institutions, encouraging students to explore the challenges and innovations in Australia's homegrown spacecraft technology, aiming to turn the hiccup in history into a stepping stone for future success.
