🚀 Eris | 🛰 Test Flight 1
Launch date: May 15, 2025 21:30 UTC
Payload: Test Flight 1
Location: Eris Pad, Bowen Orbital Spaceport, North Queensland, Australia
Vehicle: Eris
Gilmour Space Technologies prepared for the historic maiden launch of its Eris rocket—Australia’s first sovereign-built vehicle to attempt an orbital mission—scheduled for May 15, 2025 at 21:30 UTC (May 16 local time) from the Eris Pad at Bowen Orbital Spaceport in North Queensland. The launch, designated Test Flight 1, was scrubbed after a payload fairing anomaly was detected during final system checks, before the vehicle was fueled. No damage to the rocket or pad occurred. The three-stage Eris rocket, a hybrid-propulsion vehicle with significant 3D-printed components, was aiming to deliver a demonstration payload, including a symbolic Vegemite can, for Gilmour Space’s micro-satellite bus to a sun-synchronous or low Earth orbit (LEO). This would qualify rocket systems and gather critical data for future launches. The inaugural mission represents a major milestone for the Australian space sector as its first domestically designed and manufactured commercial orbital rocket. No livestream was planned, but a launch video will be released after a future attempt. The new launch date will be set following resolution of the fairing issue.
Eris Pad, Bowen Orbital Spaceport, North Queensland, Australia
The Eris Pad at Bowen Orbital Spaceport is operated by Gilmour Space Technologies and is designed for launching the Eris rocket, Australia’s locally developed small-lift orbital launch vehicle. Located near Bowen in North Queensland, this launch site marks a significant milestone in the growth of Australia’s commercial space sector.
Conceived as part of Australia’s expanding space industry ambitions, the Bowen Orbital Spaceport — including the Eris Pad — aims to serve both domestic and international customers seeking orbital launch services. The facility demonstrates Gilmour Space Technologies’ commitment to developing sovereign space access and contributing to Australia’s participation in the global space market. As of 2024, the site is poised for some of Australia’s first commercial orbital flight attempts.