What’s happening?
Australia’s journey back to space is officially back on track. Gilmour Space Technologies has confirmed a new target window No Earlier Than (NET) July 1 for the historic Eris TestFlight 1—the first Australian-designed and built rocket to attempt orbit in over 50 years. The announcement follows system upgrades and an in-depth review of a May pre-launch anomaly.
– Payload fairing installed
– System fixes implemented and under test
– Launch notifications issued to regulatory bodies
While July 1 remains the earliest possible date, the actual liftoff will depend on wind, weather, and testing outcomes.
“NET is the global standard for a provisional launch date,” the Gilmour Space team explained.
Why it matters
Eris TestFlight 1 isn’t just a rocket launch—it’s a leap toward sovereign space capability. The mission will demonstrate Australian innovation, precision manufacturing, and aerospace advancement. It’s a symbol of the country’s growing investment in space, with potential flow-on effects for climate tech, defence, and remote sensing.
“Each critical system is undergoing its first full end-to-end test, from countdown to liftoff and beyond,” Gilmour Space stated.
Local Impact
The launch from Bowen Orbital Spaceport places North Queensland at the heart of this national milestone. For Mackay and surrounding regions, this mission reinforces the area’s value in high-tech industries and could fuel new investment and STEM career pathways.
By the Numbers
– First Australian-built rocket to attempt orbit in 50+ years
– New payload fairing built on the Gold Coast and installed
-Launch window delayed due to upper-atmosphere wind conditions
Zoom In
On 15 May 2025, an electrical backfeed triggered the unplanned separation of the rocket’s single-use fairing system, halting the countdown. No fuel was onboard, and no damage or injuries occurred.
Since then, Gilmour Space has:
– Completed its internal investigation (by 30 May)
– Upgraded the electrical system to prevent recurrence
– Verified the fix through internal testing
– Replaced and re-attached the payload fairing
– Received full regulatory sign-off
“No, it wasn’t the cockatoo,” the team joked, dismissing viral speculation.
Zoom Out
NET launch targets are standard in global aerospace circles, especially for test flights. Unpredictable variables—like weather, safety zones, or technical checks—can affect timing right up to the final moment. Eris TestFlight 1 is a pioneering step for Australia’s place in the $500 billion global space industry.
What to Look for Next
Track launch updates via Gilmour Space’s channels and prepare for a possible lift-off from 1 July onwards.
