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Australia's First Home-Grown Orbital Rocket Launch Delayed by Technical Glitch

Gilmour Space Technologies postpones Eris rocket test flight to resolve external power system issue, targeting next launch window on May 15.

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Weighing 30 tonnes fully fuelled, the rocket has a hybrid propulsion system, using a solid inert fuel and a liquid oxidiser, which provides the oxygen for it to burn.
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Overview

  • The Eris rocket, Australia's first entirely domestically designed and built orbital rocket, was scheduled to launch on May 14 but faced delays due to a power system glitch.
  • Gilmour Space Technologies identified and fixed the issue but missed the fueling window required for the test flight on Thursday.
  • The next launch attempt is set for May 15, within the multi-day window approved by the Australian Space Agency and CASA.
  • The test flight aims to validate the rocket's hybrid propulsion system and achieve key metrics like lift-off and burn durations, with orbit considered unlikely on this attempt.
  • The rocket, launched from Bowen Orbital Spaceport, carries a symbolic Vegemite jar payload, highlighting Australia's growing ambitions in the commercial space sector.