Bowen Orbital Spaceport was officially opened last week, with dignitaries gathered to mark this significant moment in space industry history.
With final approvals and permits pending, Gilmour Space Technologies are closer than ever to an official launch date which will see this Queensland-based company become the first in Australia to launch a locally made rocket into orbit.
Bowen is now one of only three dedicated launch sites globally, chosen for its precise location, 20 degrees south of the equator, ideal for quick efficient transport to space.
Whitsunday Regional Council Mayor-elect Ry Collins, James and Adam Gilmour Directors of Gilmour Space Technologies, Deputy Premier Cameron Dick and Federal Member for Dawson Andrew Willcox MP. Photo supplied.
It’s been an incredible ride for the Gilmour brothers, James and Adam, who have, over the last 10 years propelled their grassroots Gold Coast based company into the largest space tech company in Australia, now valued at $605 million.
“It is a matter of great satisfaction that within a relatively short space of time, starting out with less than a dozen people, we have grown to be the largest space technology employer in Australia, devoted solely to the manufacturing of rockets and satellites.
“And at the present time employing approximately 194 full time employees,” said James Gilmour.
“We are on the eve of making Australian history at the Bowen Orbital Spaceport!”
Gilmour Space Technologies constructed its 23 metre long, 35 tonnes rocket named Eris in the Gold Coast and it has since been brought up to Bowen where it is being assembled.
From April 29, the Bowen site will be ready for the launch, pending final permits and last-minute testing.
The next significant milestone will be when the rocket is turned into a vertical position which is a symbolically exciting moment for the team.
“We have for so long asked people to imagine what it will look like, now they will actually be able to see it which will bring home the significance and importance if what we’re actually trying to do here,” said James Gilmour.
It is expected that Eris will be launched into low earth orbit within the next two months, its ‘payload’ a G-Sat satellite which will fast track enhanced technology road maps.
Gilmour Space Technologies is working with the Australian Defence Force for one of its early launches.
Considered to be the Fed-Ex of space transport, the rocket is designed to transport items into space and while it is only a one-way trip for Eris, there is already a second rocket in construction, serial number 002, which is expected to be completed in six to nine months.
Our Federal Member for Dawson, Andrew Willcox MP, has been a huge supporter of this project since he first worked with the Gilmour brothers in the planning stages when he was Mayor of the Whitsunday Regional Council.
Since then, he has stayed connected and been a great advocate, eagerly awaiting the big day when Bowen will become the site of the first rocket launch in the country.
“This is good for my electorate and great for Australia!” said Mr Willcox.
“I’ve been down to their head office and witnessed their tech first-hand – it’s incredible! They’ve invented a propulsion system which is world leading and now there is a whole industry being created here that offers technical, higher paid jobs, which is a real boost for the community.”
Dignitaries and stakeholders celebrating the official opening last week. Photo supplied
Bowen Orbital Spaceport. Photo supplied
Eris is 23 metres long and weighs 35 tonnes. Photo supplied
Investing in both the community and the Whitsunday way of life, James Gilmour is in the process of moving to Bowen and looks forward to continuing to build his team in the region.
“At the moment we have between eight and 10 employees based locally and we are looking to increase that by the end of the year,” he explained.
“We are focussed on the intention to work with the community and want local businesses to grow with us. So far, we have injected well over $10 million into the community and have worked with many local manufacturers. We’ve also developed supply chains and have ongoing operations within the region.”
Another central part of the Gilmour brothers’ ethos is connecting the country with the sky and since the company’s inception they have worked closely with the local Juru Traditional Landowners.
“The site has its foundation on the land of the Juru people and acknowledging this has been fundamentally important since day one,” said Mr Gilmour.
“We don’t want to be remembered for our words but for our deeds.”
To reflect this, Juru Elder Trevor Prior conducted a smoking ceremony to welcome guests at the official opening of the Bowen Orbital Spaceport last week.
There is also a ‘mission patch’, which is a sign on the west side of the main building, which depicts the theme “from country to sky”, respectfully acknowledging the Juru.
With the launch set to take place within the coming months, community members will be able to witness the moment firsthand from several local vantage points.
These include Flagstaff Hill, Queens Beach and Greys Bay.
“Safety is a top priority during a launch campaign,” explained Mr Gilmour.
“We’re going to have safety zones in place during the launch and public information will soon be available on our website with viewing locations and safety guides.”
Juru Elder Trevor Prior conducted the smoking ceremony at the official opening of the Bowen Orbital Spaceport last week. Photo supplied
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