A photo shows the Eris rocket taking off on Wednesday, July 30, 2025, near Bowen, Australia. The image was shared by Gilmour Space Technologies. (Gilmour Space Technologies)
Australia’s first attempt to send a rocket into orbit from its own land ended in a crash just 14 seconds after liftoff. The rocket, named Eris, launched early Wednesday morning from a spaceport near Bowen in northern Queensland.
The launch marked a major moment in Australian space history. Eris was the first rocket built and launched entirely in the country. It was designed by Gilmour Space Technologies to carry small satellites into space.
What Happened During the Launch
The 23-meter rocket lifted off and briefly soared into the sky. Videos from the scene showed it rising above the launch tower and then dropping from view. A cloud of smoke filled the area moments later. Luckily, no one got hurt.
The rocket's engines burned for 23 seconds, and the flight lasted 14 seconds before the crash. All four hybrid engines fired up as planned. Despite the short flight, the company called it a successful step forward.
A Milestone for Gilmour Space
This was not the first attempt to launch Eris. Earlier tries in May and earlier this month were delayed due to bad weather and technical problems.
Still, company CEO Adam Gilmour shared his pride after the launch. “Of course I would have liked more flight time but happy with this,” he said on LinkedIn. He also noted that it’s rare for private rocket companies to make it to orbit on their very first try.
Even before the flight, the company said they would count it as a success if the rocket simply lifted off the ground. The launchpad and other site equipment stayed safe and undamaged during the launch.
Local Leaders Celebrate the Moment
Though the rocket didn’t make it to orbit, the local community sees the launch as a win. Mayor Ry Collins from the Whitsunday Regional Council called it a “huge achievement.”
He said it’s a key step in building a space industry in the area. “This is an important first step towards the giant leap of a future commercial space industry right here in our region,” he said.
Funding and the Future of Space in Australia
Gilmour Space Technologies recently received AU$5 million from the federal government to support the development of Eris. That’s on top of a AU$52 million grant they received last year to help grow the country's space technology.
While Australia has launched hundreds of suborbital rockets, only two rockets have ever reached orbit from Australian soil. The Eris launch was the first attempt in over 50 years to reach orbit from within the country.
The mission didn’t go as far as hoped, but it still shows Australia is serious about space. The launch sets the stage for better, longer flights in the future.
