Gilmour Space Technologies (Australia)

Gilmour Space Technologies is a fast-growing Australian aerospace company focused on developing low-cost launch services for small satellites. The company was founded in 2013 on the Gold Coast, Australia, by brothers Adam and James Gilmour, with the goal of creating a sovereign Australian capability for building, launching, and operating rockets and satellites. 

Rocket Development – The Eris Launch Vehicle

Gilmour Space is best known for its Eris orbital rocket, a three-stage launch vehicle designed to deliver up to about 300 kg of payload to Low Earth Orbit (LEO) for small satellite missions. The rocket uses innovative hybrid propulsion technology and stands roughly 23–25 meters tall, targeting the rapidly growing smallsat launch market. 

Launches and Test Flights

The company conducted its first Eris test launch in July 2025, marking the first attempt to launch an Australian-designed orbital rocket from Australian soil in decades. The rocket lifted off from the pad and flew for about 14 seconds, providing valuable engineering data for future flights despite not reaching orbit. 

Launch Site and Facilities

All launches are planned from the Bowen Orbital Spaceport, a purpose-built commercial launch facility located near Bowen in North Queensland, Australia. The site is the first licensed commercial orbital launch facility in the country, supporting Australia’s emerging commercial space industry. 

Future Plans and Space Strategy

Gilmour Space aims to become a leading small satellite launch provider in the Asia-Pacific region. Future plans include additional Eris rocket test flights, commercial satellite launches, and expansion of its integrated space ecosystem. The company is also developing the ElaraSat satellite platform to support small spacecraft missions alongside its launch services. 

Australia’s Emerging Commercial Launch Provider

With its Eris launch vehicle, Bowen Orbital Spaceport, and satellite platforms, Gilmour Space is positioning itself as a key player in the global small satellite launch market, helping enable more frequent and flexible access to orbit for commercial, government, and defense missions. 

Dedicated missions by Gilmour Space Technologies

Dedicated Mission	Launch date	Launch vehicle	Orbit
ERIS Testflight 1	30 July 2025	ERIS-1	LEO