Gilmour Space is hoping this week is finally their chance to make history with a test flight of its Australian-made Eris rocket

If and when the test flight to space is successful, Australian will become just the 13th country in the world to develop the capability of launching locally made rockets to orbit. The most recent was South Korea in 2013. Only six countries currently regulalary launch to space using their own technology.  The  23-metres-high Eris Block 1 rocket is a three-stage orbital launch vehicle designed to carry small satellites to orbit. It uses proprietary hybrid-propellant technology that’s safer and cheaper than traditional liquid- and solid-fuelled rockets. If successful, it could be the world’s first hybrid-propelled rocket to achieve orbit, as well as giving Australia sovereign capability.  The startup also owns and developed the Bowen launch site.

Gold Coast-based Gilmour Space was founded in 2013, and has grown to more than 200 employees and built a local supply chain of more than 300 Australian companies.

The spacetech startup has raised $142 million in venture funding, including $19 million Series B in 2018 and $61 million in a Series C in June 2021 and earlier this year, a $55 million Series D, as well as attracting tens of millions in funding from local, state and federal governments.

Last week Gilmour Space received $5 million from the federal government’s Industry Growth Program to accelerate the development of Eris’ next generation liquid rocket engine. And earlier this month signed a deal with Japanese space business integrator, Space BD to offer dedicated and rideshare opportunities on Gilmour Space’s Eris launch vehicles and ElaraSat platforms, to give new options for Japanese and global satellite customers.