FIRST FLIGHT FOILED AGAIN!

Test Flight Of Bowen's Eris Rocket Delayed

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Australia’s first private orbital rocket launch has been postponed again, with Gilmour Space Technologies confirming the Eris rocket will now lift off no earlier than July 27.

The delay follows operational setbacks and upper wind forecasts that ruled out a safe launch during the original July 16–20 window. The Gold Coast-based company announced the change in a social media update, saying they were “standing down from this week’s launch window” and shifting to the next opportunity.

The Eris rocket is a first-of-its-kind orbital launch vehicle developed entirely in Australia and is set to launch from the Bowen Orbital Spaceport in north Queensland. The team continues working through weather checks, range assessments, and final system reviews in coordination with national agencies including CASA, the Australian Space Agency, and Airservices.

“Rocket launches are complex,” Gilmour Space stated. “Delays are normal, especially for a first-of-its-kind testflight.”

One Small Step Back For Launch Day

Australia’s first private orbital rocket launch has been delayed again, with the test flight of the Eris rocket now scheduled for no earlier than July 27.

The updated target comes after operational delays set the team back by a day, and the latest upper wind forecasts ruled out a safe launch within the original window of July 16 to 20. Gilmour Space Technologies, the Gold Coast-based company behind the mission, announced the change in a social media update, stating they were “standing down from this week’s launch window,” and shifting focus to the next opportunity.

The adjustment comes as part of final preparations by Gilmour Space, which is behind the ambitious mission. The Eris rocket is a first-of-its-kind orbital launch vehicle developed entirely on Australian soil—and while excitement builds, the company is taking a cautious approach.

“Rocket launches are complex,” a Gilmour Space spokesperson stated on their Facebook page. “Delays are normal, especially for a first-of-its-kind testflight.”

The team is working through a series of weather assessments, range checks, and final system “go/no-go” reviews. Coordination with regulatory bodies and safety authorities is also a crucial part of the process. This includes the Australian Space Agency, CASA (Civil Aviation Safety Authority), Airservices Australia, and maritime agencies.

"We're carefully working through weather, range checks, final system go/no‑go reviews, and coordinating with the Australian Space Agency, CASA, Airservices, maritime authorities, and others," the spokesperson explained.

The Eris rocket represents a new era for Australia’s growing space industry. Designed and built by Gilmour Space, it’s intended to carry small satellites into low Earth orbit, offering an Australian solution to a rapidly growing global demand.

Despite the delay, enthusiasm remains high. Space industry supporters, science enthusiasts, and local communities—particularly in north Queensland—are eagerly watching as the countdown continues. The launch will take place from the company’s Bowen Orbital Spaceport, near the coastal town of Bowen in the Whitsundays.

Manager of Bowen Tourism and Business, Leanne Abernethy said the proposed rocket launch was exciting for Bowen, the entire Whitsundays region, all of Queensland and the Nation.

“While we understand there has been delays, we are confident the rocket launches will be a great attraction for our region going forward," she said.

“This is rocket science – so delays are part of what happens – but we are so pleased that Gilmour Space Technologies chose Bowen as their launch pad.”

For those keen to follow along, Gilmour Space is providing real-time updates on the launch window via their mission page at gspace.com/missions. But for those who’d rather wait until the rocket’s in the sky, the company says they’ll also be sharing full launch coverage and results after the fact.

The launch is expected to be a major step toward establishing a sovereign space capability in Australia, something space experts say is critical for national innovation, security, and economic growth.

The company also shared a scenic image of the launch site, captured by a staff member in Bowen, to highlight the unique location from which Australia’s space ambitions are taking off.

With final checks underway and eyes on the weather, the countdown to lift-off continues—now tracking for July 27.

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Launch date gets pushed back. Photo Credit: Steven Holden - Gilmour Space Technologies.

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