Gilmour Space, an Australian aerospace pioneer, has announced a fresh delay for its Eris 1 rocket – the nation’s very first orbital launch. The company made the call on Wednesday, explaining that a longer, flexible launch window will help perfect every detail, while also giving the team a much-needed break after intensive testing.
The next window for lift-off depends on securing regulatory approvals and catching favourable weather. Although no new date has been set before July 16, the team remains upbeat, having already positioned the rocket on the pad earlier in the week before wind conditions forced a hold.
Initially scheduled for May 15, the mission hit a snag during routine shutdown procedures. The payload fairing – the protective cover for the cargo – unexpectedly detached due to a power surge linked to electrical feedback. With a touch of light-hearted humour, Gilmour Space quipped, ‘No, it wasn’t a cockatoo.’
Founded in 2015 by Adam and James Gilmour, the company has grown into a dedicated team of over 200 professionals, all working tirelessly to navigate challenges and keep Australia’s space ambitions on track.
