MEDIA RELEASE
AUGUST 16, 2018 - Australia and Singapore-based rocket company, Gilmour Space Technologies, has conducted its most powerful orbital engine test to date as it prepares for a key suborbital test flight in the fourth quarter of this year.
"We achieved a record 80 kilonewtons (or 18,000 pounds) of thrust from a 17-second test-fire of our orbital-class rocket engine this week," said the company's CEO & Founder, Adam Gilmour. "It was the final pre-flight motor test of our main orbital engine; and I would say this put us at a Technology Readiness Level (TRL) of 6, well ahead of most global small launch competitors today.”
Highlights of test fire:
Duration: 17 seconds
Thrust: 80 kN (18,000 lbs)
Ignition start time: < 0.3 seconds
Nb. Throttled to 10% thrust in earlier tests
The Queensland-based company is part of a growing number of space start-ups racing to develop smaller and cheaper launch vehicles that could deliver the next generation of small satellites into low earth orbits (LEO). It plans to launch Eris-100 in 2020, a three-stage commercial vehicle capable of launching 100 kg to LEO; followed by Eris-400 in 2021, a clustered-engine vehicle for payloads up to 400 kg.
"I'm pleased with our team's progress in developing and scaling our new hybrid rocket technology, and expect to be opening up for launch bookings by the end of 2018," said Mr. Gilmour. "Indeed, with the spotlight now on small and responsive launch capabilities, I am confident that Gilmour Space will soon be embarking on our next phase of development."
ABOUT US
Gilmour Space Technologies is a private Australian rocket company that is developing new capabilities for launching small satellites into Low Earth Orbits. Founded by two brothers, this Queensland-based startup is now one of Australia’s leading space companies, pioneering new and innovative hybrid propulsion technologies that will accelerate humanity’s access to ‘All Orbits, All Planets’. Find out more at https://www.gspacetech.com/about.
Media contact:
Michelle Gilmour, Director of Communications
Email: michelle@gilmourspacecorp.com, Mob: +61 433 908 084
Facebook: Gilmourspacetech | Twitter: @GilmourSpace | LinkedIn: Gilmour Space Technologies