A Downunder Space Odyssey: Gilmour Space Technologies Gears Up for First Aussie Rocket Launch
Australian Space Rocket's Maiden Voyage with Vegemite Aboard: Initial Launch of Australian Spacecraft Planned with Iconic Spread - Australian Space Rocket's Maiden Voyage: Initial Test Flight of Australian- Built Spacecraft Scheduled
Who needs a leap of faith when you've got a rocket? The upcoming test flight of Eris, Australia's home-grown spacecraft, could make history if it achieves orbital flight from the land down under. Adam Gilmour, CEO of Gilmour Space Technologies, shares the mixed feelings of skepticism and excitement before the big day: "Should we manage to conquer space and orbit the Earth, I'd likely have a heart attack from sheer surprise and joy," he tells AFP. "I'd be delighted if it simply lifts off for 10, 20, or 30 seconds - that would be fantabulous!"
Eris, standing tall at 23 meters and tipping the scales at 30 tonnes, is engineered for long-term missions, featuring a payload capacity of approximately 100 to 200 kilograms. For the maiden voyage, though, expect something quite unexpected - a humble jar of Vegemite, a beloved Aussie spread 1.
- Test Flight
- Space Rocket
- Down Under Debut
- Vegemite on Board
- Spaceport: Bowen, QLD, Australia
- Launch Date: May 15, 2025
Rocket & Launch Details
- Rocket Height: 23.5 meters
- Rocket Weight: Approximately 30 tonnes
- Rocket Components: Three stages with home-developed hybrid propulsion engines 1
- Launch Site: Bowen, Queensland, Australia
- Launch Window: Between 7:30 am and 5:30 pm
According to available info, the Eris rocket is set to take off from the Bowen spaceport on May 15, 2025 1. Unfortunately, there's no word on Vegemite as a payload yet.
Catch the Launch Live!
For space enthusiasts unable to attend in person, the rocket launch will be live-streamed on Gilmour Space Technologies' official YouTube channel 1.
Get ready for an unconventional yet electrifying space adventure, Aussie-style! Will Eris make it to orbit, or will our hopes for interstellar Vegemite toast to a fiery demise? Tune in to find out!
P.S.: Let's embark on this journey together! Don't forget to share your Vegemite-in-space predictions and reactions, and remember to keep a watchful eye for the live stream!
The space rocket, Eris, engineered for long-term missions, is set to make its Down Under Debut on May 15, 2025, from the Bowen spaceport in Queensland, Australia. Despite the lack of confirmation about Vegemite as a payload, the upcoming test flight promises to be an unconventional yet electrifying space adventure, encouraged by the live streaming on Gilmour Space Technologies' official YouTube channel.
With science and technology driving the propulsion of this Aussie spacecraft, Australia stands poised to embark on a new chapter in space-and-astronomy history, whether or not Vegemite makes it to orbit.
