Prime Minister launches Eris rocket at Gilmour Space Technologies

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has formally unveiled the Eris rocket, Australia’s first home-grown orbital launch vehicle, at Gilmore Space Technologies on the Gold Coast.

“This is a great Australian success story,” he said. “A company that began eight years ago but now employs 200 people here at the cutting edge of innovation, science, new technologies and new jobs.

“You’re looking at the first Australian-made rocket that will attempt orbital space launch. Their hybrid rocket engine technology is one of the first in the word to use a combination of solid and liquid propellants.

“When this rocket goes into space, it will carry 300 companies with it,” he added. “Australia will become the 12th country in the world to be able to have access to this technology — designed, manufactured and built right here.”

“We are proud to have the Prime Minister come see our Australian-made orbital rocket and space manufacturing facility,” said Adam Gilmour, CEO of Gilmour Space. “Australia must have its own sovereign launch and satellite technologies if we are serious about growing our capabilities in defence, communications and advanced manufacturing. Gilmour Space is at the leading edge of these technologies.

“Both the state and federal governments have been great supporters of the space industry here in Queensland, and we appreciate their ongoing support for Australian innovation, high-tech jobs and manufacturing.

“The team is working hard toward the first test launch of our Eris rocket later this year from the Bowen Orbital Spaceport in north Queensland. Only 11 nations have launched their own rockets into orbit, and our efforts will help to build a significant dual-use capability for Australia.”

Image credit: Gilmore Space Technologies