On Wednesday, July 30, 2025, the Australia-made Eris rocket designed by Gilmour Space Technologies launched an orbital satellite; however, the rocket crashed just 14 seconds after liftoff.
In 1967, the U.S. donated the Sparta rocket to Australia, and it succeeded in launching Australia’s first orbital satellite. Its second was launched in 1971 using the British Black Arrow rocket. Since then, no rocket has successfully launched a satellite into orbit from Australian soil. On Wednesday, July 30, 2025, the Australia-made Eris rocket designed by Gilmour Space Technologies attempted to renew Australia’s goal of developing its own commercial space industry by launching an orbital satellite; however, the rocket crashed just 14 seconds after liftoff.
Despite this setback, a Facebook post by Gilmour Space Technologies a few hours ago described the flight as „a strong result and a major step forward for Australia’s sovereign space capability.
