MISSION: ERIS TESTFLIGHT 1
16 July 2025
LAUNCH SCRUBBED: NEXT WINDOW NET JULY 27
We’re standing down from this week’s launch window and aiming for our next opportunity starting July 27.
Unfortunately, operational delays set us back a day and the latest upper wind forecasts have now ruled out a safe launch from Thursday through the rest of the week.
Not the outcome we hoped for, but that's the nature of test flights. Chin up and eyes forward to NET 27 July!
15 July 2025
LAUNCH WINDOW: JULY 16-20
CURRENTLY TRACKING NET JULY 17*
During the launch window, note that:
-
Launch may occur any time between 7:30am - 5:30pm
-
Avoid designated Hazard Areas in land, air, and sea (see orange button for details)
> Pilots: Check current NOTAMs (Notices to Airmen)
> Mariners: Refer to NOTMARs (Notice to Mariners)
> All: Please monitor updates from CASA, Airservices Australia, Maritime Safety, and Gilmour Space.
-
No advance notice will be given before liftoff
-
If we stand down (or scrub) for the day, we will confirm that here (and our Facebook page) by 5.30pm
-
A post-launch video and update will be shared as soon as possible
Thank you for your patience and support as we take this next step in Australia's space journey.
3 July 2025*
EARLIEST WINDOW - NET JULY 16
Our earliest available launch window is currently 𝗡𝗘𝗧 𝗝𝘂𝗹𝘆 𝟭𝟲. This includes a required two-week notification to CASA and, as always, will be subject to weather closer to the date.
*Date is subject to change
FAQ: Why does the launch date keep moving?
Rocket launches are complex and delays are normal. Weather, range availability, regulatory checks, final system tests (and last-minute anomalies!) can all affect when a rocket is ready to fly.
That's why we announce a launch window—a set of approved days when liftoff is possible—and within that, a No Earlier Than (NET) date. The NET is the earliest day we expect to be ready to launch and it can shift as we work through pre-launch activities.
It’s the global standard for space launches, giving teams the flexibility to launch only when it’s safe—especially important for a first-of-its-kind test flight, where every system is being put through its full end-to-end test for the very first time, from countdown to liftoff and beyond.
In Australia, that also means close coordination with the Australian Space Agency, CASA, Airservices Australia, maritime authorities, and more.
We’ll keep sharing the latest NET date so you can stay up to date, or feel free to check back after launch day. 🙏
2 July 2025
NEW LAUNCH DATE - TBA
We’ve made the tough call to 𝗽𝗼𝘀𝘁𝗽𝗼𝗻𝗲 this week’s launch. This pause to give us a longer, more flexible launch window for our first test flight, and our team a chance to rest after an intense few weeks of testing and prep.
Our new target, potentially next week, will depend on weather conditions & green light from regulators. Date TBA.
We know many of you have been following closely, and we truly appreciate your patience and support as we work toward this important milestone.
30 June 2025*
UPDATE TO NET JULY 3
Rocket's up, but the winds aren't in our favour. Looking to push the start of our launch window to NET July 3.
_edited.png)
Image credit: Ben S
30 May 2025
ANOMALY INVESTIGATION CONCLUDED
We've completed our internal investigation into the payload fairing anomaly on May 15.
WHAT HAPPENED: The payload fairing system was triggered during a vehicle shutdown by an unexpected power surge, caused by electrical backfeed from downstream devices.
While shutdowns are a normal part of launch operations, this issue didn’t appear during previous tests. That’s because the fairing separation system is single-use and isn’t activated to maintain its reliability and ensure safety.
We’re now installing additional safeguards to prevent this from happening again. These upgrades will be verified in our system test before the next flight.
Next steps:
- Implement the fixes and conduct verification testing
- Share a new "No Earlier Than" (NET) launch window once confirmed
PS: No, it wasn’t the cockatoo. 🦜
MISSION: ERIS TESTFLIGHT 1
LAUNCH SITE: Bowen Orbital Spaceport, North Queensland.
MISSION: Gilmour Space’s Eris TestFlight1 will be the first Australian-made rocket to attempt orbit, and the nation's first orbital launch in over 50 years.
TARGET LAUNCH WINDOW: The Australian Space Agency has given us the green light for TestFlight1. Due to an anomaly, TestFlight1 will be postponed pending an internal assessment.
HAZARD AREAS:
Safety is our priority. Please observe all Hazard Areas for land, sea and air on launch days - see details linked right.
Updated Jun 27, 2025
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
-
I no longer see a job that I was interested in. Can I still apply for it?If you no longer see a job available online, then we are likely to have filled the position. Please do check in again, however, as we are continually updating our Career page.
-
How do I get an internship at Gilmour Space?Thank you for your interest in our company! At this stage, we are only offering University-level internships to students in their final year of study. Those interested can reach out to their respective University placement offices, enquire with the Defence Industry Internship Program for paid placements, or reach out to us directly.
-
Is it possible to do unpaid work experience or volunteer work with you?Unfortunately, we do not have the capacity to offer unpaid work at this time. Please continue to check our website for any jobs that may suit your level of skills and experience.
-
I have applied for a job online. When can I expect to hear back from you?If you have applied for a position through a link on our Careers webpage, then we will endeavour to get back to you as soon as we can. Unsuccessful applicants will hear from us via email (please do also check your junk folder). Those who are successful in securing an interview will likely hear from us by phone or email (if unavailable by phone). Due to the overwhelming response, we appreciate your patience with us as we try to go through all applications.
-
What qualifications will I need to get a job at Gilmour Space?We offer diverse employment opportunities at Gilmour Space, across areas such as Facilities and Maintenance, Finance, Human Resources, Marketing, Engineers, and Trade Qualified personnel such as Machinists, Welders, Electricians, Test Technicians and more! We recommend that you click through to read each job description, as it includes a recommended list of qualifications for that role.
ERIS TESTFLIGHT 1
Gilmour Space has developed Australia's first orbital launch vehicle, #Eris
-
Designed and manufactured by Gilmour Space, Eris is Australia's first sovereign-made rocket capable of launching satellites into orbit.
-
TestFlight 1 will be the maiden orbital launch attempt of the Eris Block 1 rocket, which uses proprietary hybrid rocket technology.
AUSTRALIA'S FIRST ORBITAL SPACEPORT
Eris TestFlight 1 will be launched from QLD's Bowen Orbital Spaceport #BOS
.png)
-
BOS is the first licensed commercial orbital launch facility in Australia, with access to 20- to 65-degree (low to mid) inclination Low Earth Orbits.
-
Located within the Abbot Point State Development Area in Queensland, this private launch site is operated by Gilmour Space, with blessings from the Juru traditional owners in Bowen to 'bridge Country to Sky'.
The Bowen Orbital Spaceport was co-funded by Gilmour Space together with the Commonwealth and QLD Governments under the Modern Manufacturing Strategy.
