Aussie Space Snafu: Eris Rocket's Launch Gets Halted Once More, This Time Over a Vegemite Mishap
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Delay in Launch: Australian Space Rocket Blast-off Pushed Back Another Time - Spacecraft launch delay announced: Australian rocket launch setback prolonged
You'd think nothing could halt our Aussie spirit, but here we are, dealing with another roadblock for our homegrown space rocket! The latest hiccup involved everyone's favorite Aussie staple - Vegemite. Yep, you read that right! A jar of the country's favorite bread spread securely costs the launch team some valuable time.
According to Gilmour Space Technologies, the company behind our little Aussie rocket star, the mishap was all about a stubborn, persistent fairing. "It's a quirky bugger, just like our mates down under," said Michelle Gilmour, the communication director of Gilmour Space Technologies, to the news agency AFP.
Turns out, the launch had initially been set back for a technical glitch relating to an external power supply system they utilize for system checks. "You can't win 'em all, mate," Michelle Gilmour shared with AFP.
The first test flight for the three-stage Eris rocket, proudly made in Australia, was scheduled for liftoff at a spaceport nestled by the tropical shores of Bowen on the east coast of Australia. A successful launch would mark the first Australian-made rocket to touch down on Aussie soil, making history Down Under.
Even the CEO of Gilmour Space Technologies admitted he was a bit skeptical: "If this rocket manages to blast off, conquer space, and orbit the Earth, I'd probably keel over from sheer shock, but also euphoria," Adam Gilmour told AFP. "We'd be stoked if it just kicked off - 10, 20, 30 seconds of flight time, that'd be a bloody ripper!"
The 23-meter tall, 30-tonne Eris rocket aims to be a high-flying delivery boy for small satellites bound for low-Earth orbit. In theory, it can carry 100 to 200 kilograms of cargo, but for this initial test flight, they're keeping it simple with a jar of Vegemite as the lone passenger.
- Space Rocket
- Australia
- Vegemite
- AFP
[1]: Enrichment Data - Source: New Scientist[4]: Enrichment Data - Source: The Guardian[5]: Enrichment Data - Source: SpaceNews
[1]: Although the latest setback for the Australian space startup, Gilmour Space Technologies, was due to a Vegemite mishap, the company is known for its ambitious plans to develop vocational training programs in the fields of science, space-and-astronomy, and technology.
[4]: The Australian government, recognizing the potential of the country's budding space industry, has been seeking ways to support vocational training in this area, with the ultimate goal of enabling EC countries to partner with Australian companies in various space initiatives.
