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{{Infobox company
{{Infobox company
| name = Gilmour Space Technologies
| name = Gilmour Space Technologies
| logo =
| logo = [[File:Gilmour Space Technologies, Logo.png|100px]]
| image_caption = Gilmour Space facility, Helensvale, Gold Coast
| image = [[File:Pimpama Engineering Facility.jpg|250px]]
| image_size = 250px
| image_caption = Pimpama Engineering Facility, June 2017
| type = [[Private company|Private]]
| type = [[Private company|Private]]
| foundation = {{Start date and age|2012|7|17|df=yes}}
| foundation = {{Start date and age|2013|df=yes}}
| services = [[Orbital spaceflight|Orbital]] [[rocket launch]]
| services = [[Orbital launch vehicle]], [[spaceport]], [[satellite bus]]
| founder = Adam Gilmour
| founders = Adam Gilmour, James Gilmour
| location_city = [[Helensvale]], [[Queensland]], [[Australia]]
| location_city = [[Helensvale]], [[Queensland]]
| hq_location_country = Australia
| key_people = {{unbulleted list
| num_employees = 200
| Adam Gilmour<br /><small>([[Chief executive officer|CEO]] and [[Chief technology officer|CTO]])</small>
| homepage = {{URL|http://www.gspace.com/}}
| Michelle Gilmour<br /><small>([[Director (business)|Director]] and Head of Marketing and Communications) </small>
| James Gilmour<br /><small>([[Director (business)|Director]]) </small>
}}
| num_employees = 143
| homepage = {{URL|http://www.gspacetech.com/}}
}}
}}


'''Gilmour Space Technologies''' (also known as '''Gilmour Space''') is a [[Venture capital|venture]]-funded Australian [[space]] company headquartered in [[Queensland]], [[Australia]] that is developing [[Hybrid-propellant rocket|hybrid-engine rockets]] and associated technology to support the development of a low-cost space [[launch vehicle]].<ref name=blackbird>{{Cite web |url=http://www.afr.com/technology/blackbird-shoots-for-the-moon-and-mars-with-gilmour-space-investment-20170526-gwe9rq/|title= Blackbird shoots for the moon and Mars with Gilmour Space investment |publisher=Australian Financial Review |author=John Mcduling |date=30 May 2017 |access-date=June 2, 2017}}</ref>
'''Gilmour Space Technologies''' is a [[Venture capital|venture]]-funded Australian [[Aerospace manufacturer|aerospace company]] that is developing [[Hybrid-propellant rocket|hybrid-propellant]] [[Rocket engine|rocket engines]] and associated technologies to support the deployment of a low-cost [[launch vehicle]].<ref name=blackbird>{{Cite web |url=http://www.afr.com/technology/blackbird-shoots-for-the-moon-and-mars-with-gilmour-space-investment-20170526-gwe9rq/|title= Blackbird shoots for the moon and Mars with Gilmour Space investment |publisher=Australian Financial Review |author=John Mcduling |date=30 May 2017 |access-date=June 2, 2017}}</ref>


Founded in 2012, Gilmour Space's function is to provide space launch services to the [[small satellite]] market – offering a range of Australian-built '''Eris''' orbital rockets, launched from Gilmour's private spaceport in north Queensland; and a modular '''G-Sat''' small satellite bus/platform.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-03-10 |title=Gilmour has eyes on the sky |url=https://amtil.com.au/gilmour-has-eyes-on-the-sky/ |access-date=2023-08-29 |website=AMTIL |language=en-US}}</ref>
Its stated mission is to provide affordable space launch services to the world's fast-growing small satellite industry.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Rocket company in Australia {{!}} Gilmour Space Technologies|url=https://www.gspacetech.com/|access-date=2021-10-07|website=Gilmour Space|language=en}}</ref> The maiden launch of its first commercial orbital vehicle, called '''Eris''', is planned for early 2023 from Bowen Orbital Spaceport in [[Abbot Point]], [[Bowen, Queensland|Bowen]].<ref name="gst-20220919" /> Eventually, the company is also looking to provide low-cost space access for human [[spaceflight]] and [[Space exploration|exploration]].<ref name=five_questions>{{Cite web |url= https://www.bizfile.gov.sg/ngbbizfileinternet/faces/oracle/webcenter/portalapp/pages/BizfileHomepage.jspx?_afrLoop=55786498327023&_afrWindowMode=0&_afrWindowId=null#%40%3F_afrWindowId%3Dnull%26_afrLoop%3D55786498327023%26_afrWindowMode%3D0%26_adf.ctrl-state%3D12mjd378fz_4|title= five questions with Gilmour Space Technologies |publisher= The Straits Times |author= Samuel Chan |date=27 February 2017 |access-date=June 2, 2017}}</ref>


The maiden flight of its Eris rocket, which was unveiled by Prime Minister [[Anthony Albanese]] as Australia's first sovereign-made orbital rocket,<ref>{{Cite web |title=Doorstop interview - Helensvale {{!}} Prime Minister of Australia |url=https://www.pm.gov.au/media/doorstop-interview-helensvale |access-date=2023-08-28 |website=www.pm.gov.au}}</ref> is planned for no earlier than 2024 from the '''Bowen Orbital Spaceport''' in [[Abbot Point]], [[Bowen, Queensland|Bowen]].<ref name="gst-20231205">{{cite tweet |author-link=Gilmour Space Technologies |author=Gilmour Space |user=GilmourSpace |number=1731860020663316897 |title=** LAUNCH UPDATE: With end of year fast-approaching and launch approvals still pending, Test Flight 1 will now attempt first orbital launch in 2024. ** |date=5 December 2023 |access-date=5 December 2023}}</ref>
==Founding==
Gilmour Space was founded in 2012 in Singapore by former banker, Adam Gilmour. Gilmour graduated from [[Monash University]] with [[Bachelor's degree|Bachelor's Degree]] in [[Banking in Australia|Banking]] and Finance.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Adam Gilmour on Linkedin|url=https://www.linkedin.com/in/adam-gilmour-03313489/?originalSubdomain=au|url-status=live}}</ref> In 2013, the Australian CEO & Founder set up similar operations in Queensland, Australia with his brother James Gilmour.<ref name=Potts2017>{{Cite web |url=http://www.goldcoastbulletin.com.au/business/gold-coast-company-aims-for-stars-at-pimpama/news-story/c3c9da864427df0081b6f2fabd1e3bb4|title= Gold Coast company aims for stars at Pimpama |publisher= Gold Coast Bulletin |author=Andrew Potts |date=17 June 2016 |access-date=June 2, 2017}}</ref>


Gilmour Space has near-term plans to develop a range of Eris launch vehicles capable of carrying larger satellites/payloads into [[Low Earth orbit|Low Earth Orbits]], and eventually provide space access for human [[spaceflight]] and [[Space exploration|exploration]].<ref name="ns-20221120">{{cite web |last=Klein |first=Alice |date=20 November 2022 |title=Australia's first rocket is set to launch into space in April 2023 |url=https://www.newscientist.com/article/2347513-australias-first-rocket-is-set-to-launch-into-space-in-april-2023/ |access-date=28 November 2022 |work=[[New Scientist]]}}</ref>
The company's first project in 2013 was to design and manufacture high-fidelity spaceflight [[simulators]] and replicas for a number of space-related exhibits,<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.bundaberg.qld.gov.au/news/2015/05/25/fly-bert-new-hinkler-hall-exhibition|title= Fly like Bert with new Hinkler Hall exhibition |publisher= Bundaberg Regional Council |date=25 May 2017 |access-date=June 2, 2017}}</ref> and education centres, including Spaceflight Academy Gold Coast, Australia's first astronaut training centre.<ref name=Potts2017 /> It began its rocket development program in 2015; and within 18 months, successfully launched Australia and Singapore's first privately developed hybrid test rocket using proprietary 3D printed fuel.<ref name=Harbour>{{Cite web |url=http://www.goldcoastbulletin.com.au/news/gold-coast/gold-coasts-first-suborbital-rocket-successfully-launched/news-story/8c11f8059f6f996939605caad9fdfe0d|title= Gold Coast's first suborbital rocket successfully launched |publisher=Gold Coast Bulletin |author=Jack Harbour |date=29 July 2016 |access-date=June 2, 2017}}</ref>


==Founding==
Gilmour Space's Series A and B investors include [[Blackbird Ventures]], [https://mseq.vc/ Main Sequence Ventures] and [https://durians.500.co/ 500 Startups]. Their Advisors include ex-NASA administrators, Professor [[Dava Newman]] and Colonel (Retired) [[Pamela Melroy]].
Gilmour Space was founded in Singapore (2012; closed 2019) and Australia (2013) by former banker, Adam Gilmour, and his brother James Gilmour.


The company's first project in 2013 was to design and manufacture high-fidelity spaceflight [[simulators]] and replicas for a number of space-related exhibits and the Spaceflight Academy Gold Coast.<ref>{{Cite web |date=25 May 2017 |title=Fly like Bert with new Hinkler Hall exhibition |url=http://www.bundaberg.qld.gov.au/news/2015/05/25/fly-bert-new-hinkler-hall-exhibition |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180615111934/http://www.bundaberg.qld.gov.au/news/2015/05/25/fly-bert-new-hinkler-hall-exhibition |archive-date=15 June 2018 |access-date=June 2, 2017 |publisher=Bundaberg Regional Council}}</ref><ref name="Potts2017">{{Cite web |author=Andrew Potts |date=17 June 2016 |title=Gold Coast company aims for stars at Pimpama |url=http://www.goldcoastbulletin.com.au/business/gold-coast-company-aims-for-stars-at-pimpama/news-story/c3c9da864427df0081b6f2fabd1e3bb4 |access-date=June 2, 2017 |publisher=Gold Coast Bulletin}}</ref> It began its rocket development program in 2015; and within 18 months, successfully launched Australia and Singapore's first privately developed hybrid test rocket using proprietary 3D printed fuel.<ref name=Harbour>{{Cite web |url=http://www.goldcoastbulletin.com.au/news/gold-coast/gold-coasts-first-suborbital-rocket-successfully-launched/news-story/8c11f8059f6f996939605caad9fdfe0d|title= Gold Coast's first suborbital rocket successfully launched |publisher=Gold Coast Bulletin |author=Jack Harbour |date=29 July 2016 |access-date=June 2, 2017}}</ref>
== Launch vehicles ==
=== RASTA ===
RASTA was a [[Sub-orbital spaceflight|sub-orbital]] [[sounding rocket]] launched by Gilmour Space on 22 July 2016,<ref>{{Citation|title=Gilmour Space - 1st RASTA hybrid rocket launch|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MvKm_s7DZoY|language=en|access-date=2021-04-12}}</ref> the vehicle was propelled by a proprietary [[Hybrid-propellant rocket|hybrid rocket engine.]] RASTA performed nominally during the test flight and reached an [[Apsis|apogee]] of 5&nbsp;km. RASTA was the first launch vehicle flown by Gilmour Space and was the world's first demonstration of a rocket launch using 3D printed fuel,<ref>{{Cite web|title=ABOUT {{!}} Gilmour Space is the leading rocket company in Australia|url=https://www.gspacetech.com/about|access-date=2021-04-12|website=Gilmour Space|language=en}}</ref><ref name=":0">{{Cite web|last=hermes|date=2016-08-03|title=3D printing taking off in emerging 'space' in Singapore|url=https://www.straitstimes.com/tech/3d-printing-taking-off-in-emerging-space-in-singapore|access-date=2019-11-06|website=The Straits Times|language=en}}</ref> This was not the first flight of a hybrid rocket engine from Australia, as Hybrid rockets had been flown as early as 1997 in Australia by members of the Tripoli Rocketry Association Australia (TRAAU) and the New South Wales Rocketry Association (NSWRA).


Since then, the company has been developing larger rockets, including the One Vision suborbital rocket and Eris orbital launch vehicle ''(more below).''
RASTA was also referred to as RASTA MK2 or RASTA 2 internally for unknown reasons.<ref>{{Citation|title=Gilmour Space Technologies RASTA 2 Launch 22 July 2016|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VtEp7ONwTwM|language=en|access-date=2021-05-31}}</ref> A possible explanation of this would be because the Head of Propulsion at the time, Jamie Anderson, previously worked on and flew a separate sounding rocket named RASTA (Recovery And Separation systems Test Article) at an organisation called Academic Space Launch Initiative or ASLI in 2012.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Asli2007|date=2012-12-05|title=ASLI 2010: ASLI Completes First Demonstration Flight Of Educational Payload Rocket.|url=http://asli2010.blogspot.com/2012/12/asli-completes-first-demonstration.html|access-date=2021-05-31|website=ASLI 2010}}</ref>


=== One Vision ===
== Investors ==
As a leading New Space pioneer in Australia, Gilmour Space is backed by some of the country's largest investors, including [https://www.blackbird.vc/ Blackbird Ventures] (which led its Series A fund raise<ref>{{Cite web |last=Space |first=Gilmour |date=2017-05-30 |title=Rocket startup shoots for the stars with AUD 5 million (USD 3.7 million) Series-A funding |url=https://www.gspace.com/post/2017-gilmour-space-series-a |access-date=2023-08-29 |website=Gilmour Space |language=en}}</ref>) and [https://mseq.vc/ Main Sequence Ventures] (which led its Series B raise<ref>{{Cite web |date=2018-09-28 |title=Gilmour Space secures AUD 19 million to launch next-generation hybrid rockets to space |url=https://www.gspace.com/post/2018-gilmour-space-series-b |access-date=2023-08-29 |website=Gilmour Space |language=en}}</ref>); as well as international investors like [https://finestructure.vc/ Fine Structure Ventures] (Series C<ref>{{Cite web |last=Space |first=Gilmour |date=2021-06-29 |title=Gilmour Space rockets ahead with $61M Series C funding |url=https://www.gspace.com/post/gilmour-space-rockets-ahead-with-61m-series-c-funding |access-date=2023-08-29 |website=Gilmour Space |language=en}}</ref>) and [https://durians.500.co/ 500 Startups]. Other investors include [https://www.qic.com.au/ Queensland Investment Corporation] and Australian superannuation funds [https://www.hostplus.com.au/ Hostplus], [https://www.hesta.com.au/about-us HESTA] and [https://www.ngssuper.com.au/about-us?gclid=Cj0KCQjwi7GnBhDXARIsAFLvH4mZsk3WGIa__pacyCHLR-0kXaq_4IdPAeQzzuNHebPCBJgg313csj8aAmGsEALw_wcB&gclsrc=aw.ds NGS Super].
[[Ariel (rocket)|One Vision]] was a [[Sub-orbital spaceflight|sub-orbital]] [[sounding rocket]] designed to test Gilmour Space's new mobile launch platform and their hybrid rocket engines.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Space|first=Gilmour|date=2019-02-01|title=Gilmour Space unveils One Vision rocket ahead of suborbital test launch|url=https://www.gspacetech.com/post/2019-one-vision-unveiled|access-date=2021-04-12|website=Gilmour Space|language=en}}</ref><ref name=":1">{{Cite web|last=Space|first=Gilmour|date=2019-07-30|title=One Vision statement|url=https://www.gspacetech.com/post/one-vision-statement|access-date=2021-04-12|website=Gilmour Space|language=en}}</ref> On 29 July 2019, One Vision was prepared and fuelled for its maiden test flight, however, during the countdown to launch, the vehicle suffered an anomaly, resulting in a premature end to the mission. The anomaly was caused by a pressure regulator in the oxidiser tank that had failed to maintain required pressure, causing damage to the tank.<ref name=":1" /> According to the company, after a detailed investigation into the anomaly, 15 key recommendations were implemented into the design of Eris.


=== Eris ===
== Launch vehicles ==
Eris is a three-stage [[small-lift launch vehicle]] designed to launch up to 305&nbsp;kg of payload to [[low Earth orbit]]. The vehicle is known to have four of Gilmour Space's hybrid rocket motors to propel the first stage. Eris is expected to make its first commercial launch in early 2023.<ref name="gst-20220919" /> Eris has a height of 25m and a diameter of 2m for the first stage, which then tapers at the interstage of the first and second stage to 1.5m.<ref>{{Cite web|title=LAUNCH|url=https://www.gspacetech.com/launch|access-date=2021-04-12|website=Gilmour Space|language=en}}</ref> The [[payload fairing]] has two diameter configurations, 1.5m and 1.2m.<ref name=":2">{{Cite web|title=LAUNCH|url=https://www.gspacetech.com/launch|access-date=2021-04-23|website=Gilmour Space|language=en}}</ref> Eris will launch from Bowen Orbital Spaceport in [[Abbot Point]], [[Bowen, Queensland|Bowen]].<ref name="gst-20220919">{{cite press release |url=https://www.gspacetech.com/post/gilmour-space-announces-first-caravan-rideshare-mission-to-leo |title=Gilmour Space announces first 'Caravan' rideshare mission to LEO |work=Gilmour Space Technologies |date=19 September 2022 |access-date=19 September 2022}}</ref> Eris has also been referred to in the past as Eris-S<ref>{{Cite web|date=2019-11-06|title=LAUNCH {{!}} Gilmour Space 2019|url=https://www.gspacetech.com/launch|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191106020234/https://www.gspacetech.com/launch|url-status=dead|archive-date=2019-11-06|access-date=2021-05-29}}</ref> and Eris-100.


=== Eris-400/Eris-L ===
=== RASTA test rocket ===
'''RASTA''' ('''Reusable Ascent SeparaTion Article''') was a [[Sub-orbital spaceflight|sub-orbital]] [[sounding rocket]] launched by Gilmour Space on 22 July 2016,<ref>{{Citation|title=Gilmour Space - 1st RASTA hybrid rocket launch| date=17 December 2019 |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MvKm_s7DZoY|language=en|access-date=2021-04-12}}</ref> propelled by a proprietary [[Hybrid-propellant rocket|hybrid rocket engine.]] It performed nominally during the test flight and reached an [[Apsis|apogee]] of 5&nbsp;km. RASTA was the first launch vehicle flown by Gilmour Space and was the world's first demonstration of a rocket launch using 3D printed fuel.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web|last=hermes|date=2016-08-03|title=3D printing taking off in emerging 'space' in Singapore|url=https://www.straitstimes.com/tech/3d-printing-taking-off-in-emerging-space-in-singapore|access-date=2019-11-06|website=The Straits Times|language=en}}</ref>
Eris-400/Eris-L was a planned clustered engine variant of Eris designed to take up to 450&nbsp;kg to [[low Earth orbit]]. Little information has been disclosed about this vehicle and it is unknown if it is still slated.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2018-08-19|title=Gilmour Space achieves record 80 kN thrust in hybrid rocket engine test|url=https://www.gspacetech.com/post/2018-gilmour-space-80kn-testfire|access-date=2021-04-12|website=Gilmour Space|language=en|quote=(...)Eris-400 in 2021, a clustered-engine vehicle for payloads up to 400 kg.}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|date=2020-02-27|title=LAUNCH {{!}} Gilmour Space|url=http://www.gspacetech.com:80/launch|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200227153939/http://www.gspacetech.com:80/launch|url-status=dead|archive-date=2020-02-27|access-date=2021-04-12}}</ref>


=== Eris Block 2 ===
=== One Vision suborbital rocket ===
'''One Vision''' was a [[Sub-orbital spaceflight|sub-orbital]] [[sounding rocket]] designed to test Gilmour Space's new mobile launch platform and their hybrid rocket engines.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Space|first=Gilmour|date=2019-02-01|title=Gilmour Space unveils One Vision rocket ahead of suborbital test launch|url=https://www.gspacetech.com/post/2019-one-vision-unveiled|access-date=2021-04-12|website=Gilmour Space|language=en}}</ref><ref name=":1">{{Cite web|last=Space|first=Gilmour|date=2019-07-30|title=One Vision statement|url=https://www.gspacetech.com/post/one-vision-statement|access-date=2021-04-12|website=Gilmour Space|language=en}}</ref> On 29 July 2019, One Vision was prepared and fuelled for its maiden test flight, however, during the countdown to launch, the vehicle suffered an anomaly, resulting in a premature end to the mission. The anomaly was caused by a pressure regulator in the oxidiser tank that had failed to maintain required pressure, causing damage to the tank.<ref name=":1" /> According to the company, after a detailed investigation into the anomaly, 15 key recommendations were implemented into the design of Eris. As part of the One Vision launch campaign, the company also designed and built a mobile rocket launch platform (as there were no commercial Australian launch sites at the time), which was successfully tested during the campaign.
Eris Block 2 is an upgraded variant of Eris designed to lift 1,000&nbsp;kg to low Earth orbit. It is expected to begin commercial service in 2024.<ref name="gst-20220919" />


=== Eris orbital rocket ===
== Technology ==
Gilmour Space is currently developing its '''Eris Block 1''' rocket, a three-stage [[small-lift launch vehicle]] designed to launch up to 300&nbsp;kg of payload to [[low Earth orbit]]. The vehicle is known to have four of Gilmour's '''''Sirius''''' hybrid rocket motors propelling the first stage, another ''Sirius'' motor in its second stage, and a new '''''Phoenix''''' liquid rocket engine in its third stage. Eris has a height of 25m and a diameter of 2m for the first stage, which tapers at the interstage of the first and second stage to 1.5m.<ref>{{Cite web |title=LAUNCH |url=https://www.gspacetech.com/launch|access-date=2021-04-12 |website=Gilmour Space |language=en}}</ref> The [[payload fairing]] has two diameter configurations, being 1.5m and 1.2m.<ref name=":2">{{Cite web |title=LAUNCH |url=https://www.gspacetech.com/launch |access-date=2021-04-23 |website=Gilmour Space |language=en}}</ref>


Eris's maiden launch is targeted for 2024, pending final approvals from the Federal Government and Australian Space Agency.<ref name="gst-20231205" /> It will be the first Australian orbital rocket to launch from Australia, and the first orbital launch attempt from Australia in over 50 years. Moreover, if successful, Eris could be the world's first hybrid rocket to achieve orbit.
===Engine Development===
Testing of Gilmour Space's hybrid rocket motors began in February 2016 with the test a 7-second test of their engine to later be used on RASTA. 2 more static fires of RASTA's engine were conducted before the suborbital flight of RASTA.


Gilmour Space has revealed it is developing an '''Eris Block 2''' vehicle capable of lifting up to 1,000&nbsp;kg to low Earth orbit, which is expected to enter commercial service in 2026. The company has also unveiled future plans for an '''Eris Heavy''' variant, which would be capable of lifting 4,000 kg payloads into orbit. If built, Eris Heavy would be classified as a [[medium-lift launch vehicle]], potentially capable of carrying [[Space capsule|human-rated spacecraft]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Hava |first=Chloe |date=20 October 2022 |title=Inside the countdown to Australia's first homegrown rocket launch |url=https://createdigital.org.au/australias-first-homegrown-rocket-launch/ |access-date=3 June 2024 |website=Create Digital}}</ref>
Gilmour Space became the first private rocket company in Australia to launch a proprietary [[Hybrid-propellant rocket|hybrid rocket]] in June 2016 with RASTA.<ref name="Harbour" />


Eris first went vertical on the launchpad on 11 April 2024 in preparation for launch,<ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-04-11 |title=Australia's first locally-made orbital rocket goes vertical for the first time |url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2024-04-12/australias-first-locally-made-orbital-rocket-goes-vertical/103692582 |access-date=2024-04-12 |website=www.abc.net.au |language=en-AU}}</ref> but did not have a launch permit yet as of 26 May.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.innovationaus.com/countdown-gilmours-long-wait-for-a-launch-permit/|title=Countdown: Gilmour’s long wait for a launch permit|access-date=24 June 2024}}</ref>
Gilmour Space conducted a [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f3sdtIv1ksg&ab_channel=GilmourSpaceTechnologies 5 second test] of their ''Catalyst'' mono-propellent thruster in July 2016. It is unclear what the purpose of this thruster is for, a possible purpose would be on the 1U Cubesat and the upper stage(s) of Eris.


=== Engine static tests ===
The company designed and built its own mobile rocket launch platform in 2018-19 (as there were no commercial Australian launch sites at the time), the move launcher platform was successfully tested and proven with the launch attempt of One Vision.
Since starting its rocket program in 2015, Gilmour Space has conducted hundreds of engine static test firings, most recently:

The company has since focused its attention on developing Eris, and it is actively seeking partners, such as Australia's Defence Science and Technology group,<ref>{{Cite web|date=2020-05-14|title=Defence signs agreement with Gold Coast space company|url=https://www.dst.defence.gov.au/news/2020/05/14/defence-signs-agreement-with-gold-coast-space-company|access-date=2020-10-19|website=www.dst.defence.gov.au}}</ref> to test and manufacture its orbital launch vehicles in Australia.

==== Engine Static Fires ====
Gilmour Space Technologies has conducted multiple [[Hybrid-propellant rocket|hybrid engine]] static test firings since making their first static firing of the RASTA sounding rocket hybrid rocket motor.
{| class="wikitable"
{| class="wikitable"
|+Engine static test firings
|+Engine static test firings
Line 72: Line 59:
!Duration
!Duration
!Engine Name
!Engine Name
|-
|[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hES8bRKdu3Y&ab_channel=GilmourSpaceTechnologiesGilmourSpaceTechnologies February, 2016]<ref name=":6">{{Cite web|title=Gilmour Space Technologies - YouTube|url=https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC0nAKlqBo0aW01UZez2LaIg|access-date=2021-05-31|website=www.youtube.com}}</ref>
|''Unknown''
|7 seconds
|RASTA Mk2 [[Nitrous oxide|N₂O]]+[[Fuel grain]] Engine
|-
|[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RTvBrh2tVpI&ab_channel=GilmourSpaceTechnologiesGilmourSpaceTechnologies March, 2016]<ref name=":6" />
|''Unknown''
|9 seconds
|RASTA Mk2 [[Nitrous oxide|N₂O]]+[[Fuel grain]] Engine
|-
|[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RxixawZCehw&ab_channel=GilmourSpaceTechnologiesGilmourSpaceTechnologies May, 2016]<ref name=":6" />
|''Unknown''
|20 seconds
|RASTA Mk2 [[Nitrous oxide|N₂O]]+[[Fuel grain]] Engine
|-
|[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f3sdtIv1ksg&ab_channel=GilmourSpaceTechnologiesGilmourSpaceTechnologies July, 2016]<ref name=":6" />
|1.7&nbsp;kN
|5 seconds
|Catalyst Pack Thruster
|-
|[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7ShiEkxHU4E&ab_channel=GilmourSpaceTechnologiesGilmourSpaceTechnologies April, 2017]<ref name=":6" />
|''Unknown''
|11 seconds
|''Unknown''
|-
|August, 2017<ref>{{Cite web|last=Space|first=Gilmour|date=2017-08-02|title=Gilmour Space completes first engine test of Cubesat Propulsion System|url=https://www.gspacetech.com/post/2017-gilmour-cubesat-propulsion|access-date=2021-05-27|website=Gilmour Space|language=en}}</ref>
|1.8&nbsp;kN
|''Unknown''
|1U Cubesat Propulsion System
|-
|December, 2017<ref name=":3" />
|''Unknown''
|''Unknown''
|''Unknown''
|-
|[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wQ3v-M5ZMIk&ab_channel=GilmourSpaceTechnologies December, 2017]<ref name=":3">{{Cite web|last=Space|first=Gilmour|date=2018-01-04|title=Gilmour Space Fires Up 45,000 Newtons Of Thrust In First Low-Pressure Test Of Hybrid Rocket Engine|url=https://www.gspacetech.com/post/2018-gilmour-space-45kn-testfire|access-date=2021-05-27|website=Gilmour Space|language=en}}</ref>
|45&nbsp;kN
|6 seconds
|''Unknown''
|-
|-
|[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kao4MxI87f4&ab_channel=GilmourSpaceTechnologies February, 2018]<ref>{{Cite web|last=Space|first=Gilmour|date=2018-03-06|title=Australian rocket company achieves 70 kN thrust in world's largest single-port hybrid engine test|url=https://www.gspacetech.com/post/2018-gilmour-space-70kn-testfire|access-date=2021-05-27|website=Gilmour Space|language=en}}</ref>
|[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kao4MxI87f4&ab_channel=GilmourSpaceTechnologies February, 2018]<ref>{{Cite web|last=Space|first=Gilmour|date=2018-03-06|title=Australian rocket company achieves 70 kN thrust in world's largest single-port hybrid engine test|url=https://www.gspacetech.com/post/2018-gilmour-space-70kn-testfire|access-date=2021-05-27|website=Gilmour Space|language=en}}</ref>
Line 151: Line 98:
|110&nbsp;kN
|110&nbsp;kN
|75 seconds
|75 seconds
|Eris hybrid First/Second Stage Engine
|-
|November 2022<ref>[https://www.gspacetech.com/post/gilmour-space-completes-final-qualification-test-of-sirius-rocket-engine ''Gilmour Space completes final qualification test of Sirius hybrid rocket engine'' Nov 2022]</ref>
|115&nbsp;kN
|100 seconds
|Eris hybrid First/Second Stage Engine
|Eris hybrid First/Second Stage Engine
|}
|}


== Bowen Orbital Spaceport (BOS) ==
===Deep Space & Exploration Research===
In May 2021, results from an environmental and technical study conducted by the [[Queensland Government|Queensland government]] for [[Abbot Point]], [[Bowen, Queensland|Bowen]] gave Gilmour Space the green light to begin work on an orbital launch facility at located in the Abbot Point Development Area.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Alexandra Cooper |date=2021-05-21 |title=Gilmour Space to build Abbot Point rocket launch site |url=https://www.manmonthly.com.au/news/gilmour-space-build-abbot-point-rocket-launch-site/ |access-date=2021-10-07 |website=Manufacturers' Monthly |language=en-AU}}</ref>
Gilmour Space has also supported a number of proof-of-concept technology projects related to the development of a long-term [[space habitat]]. An example is the M.A.R.S (Mars Aqua Retrieval System) <ref>{{Cite web |url= http://newatlas.com/mars-water-mining-robot/39060/|title= Designing a rover to mine for water on Mars |publisher= New Atlas |author= Eric Mack |date=25 August 2015 |access-date=June 2, 2017}}</ref> rover project, a collaborative educational project at [[Singapore University of Technology and Design|SUTD]] which received an award at the 2016 [[ASME]] international student competition.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://idc.sutd.edu.sg/news/grand-prize-winner-team-mars-asme-dec-2016/ |title= Grand prize winner for Team MARS at ASME |publisher= SUTD-MIT International Design Centre |author= SUTD-MIT IDC
|date= 2016|access-date=June 2, 2017}}</ref> and was featured in [[National Geographic Society|National Geographic]]'s Exploring Mars exhibit in Singapore.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.tnp.sg/news/singapore-news/five-things-try-experience-mars-showcase |title= Five things to try at the Experience Mars showcase |publisher= The New Paper |author=Mohamed Firdaus Al-amin
|date=11 Nov 2016|access-date=June 2, 2017}}</ref>

The company is also working on an in-space cubesat propulsion system, which could potentially be used to send a 1U cubesat from Earth's orbit to that of other moons or planets in the solar system.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.spacetechasia.com/gilmour-space-completes-first-four-tests-for-worlds-first-interplanetary-cubesat-propulsion-system/|title=Gilmour Space completes first of four tests for world's first interplanetary CubeSat propulsion system {{!}} SpaceTech Asia|date=2017-08-02|work=SpaceTech Asia|access-date=2018-06-15|language=en-US}}</ref>

In February 2018, it signed a reimbursable [[Space Act Agreement]] with [[NASA]] to collaborate on various research, technology development and educational initiatives, including the testing of its MARS rover at [[Kennedy Space Center]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.smh.com.au/technology/aussie-rocket-brothers-ink-nasa-deal-as-local-space-agency-wait-continues-20180219-p4z0w0.html|title=Aussie rocket brothers ink NASA deal as local space agency wait continues|last=Grubb|first=Ben|date=2018-02-19|website=The Sydney Morning Herald|language=en|access-date=2018-06-15}}</ref>

===Spaceflight Simulators===
The company has earlier developed a number of unique high-fidelity spaceflight simulators and replicas, including a 6 degree-of-freedom space plane simulator, space capsule simulator, fighter cockpit trainers, low gravity climb, mission control simulators, and others.<ref>{{Cite web |url= https://www.gspaceflightacademy.com/|title= Space Flight Academy|access-date=June 2, 2017}}</ref>

In February 2017, the Design Business Chamber of Singapore awarded Gilmour Space with the Singapore Good Design Mark (SG Mark 2017) for excellence in design and quality of its simulators.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.sgmark.org/winners-2017/|title= Singapore Good Design 2017 |publisher= Bundaberg Regional Council |author= Design Business Chamber of Singapore|date= 2017 |access-date=June 2, 2017}}</ref>

==Funding and Awards==
In the fourth quarter of 2016, its then-Singapore business was awarded a grant by the country's National Additive Manufacturing Innovation Cluster (NAMIC) to develop aerospace-related [[additive manufacturing]] capabilities with the Singapore University of Technology and Design ([[Singapore University of Technology and Design|SUTD]]).<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://media.ntu.edu.sg/NewsReleases/Pages/newsdetail.aspx?news=e5a1b6a7-ca7a-423c-be43-46244482c076|title= National cluster helps companies tap on new 3D printing technologies |publisher= NTU News Releases |author=Lester Kok |date=23 January 2017|access-date=June 2, 2017}}</ref>

In May 2017, Gilmour Space secured AUD 5 million in [[Series A round]] funding to develop and launch a low-cost [[launch vehicle]] for the small payload market. The lead investor was Australian venture capital firm Blackbird Ventures, with co-investors including global venture capital firm [[500 Startups]] and other private investors.<ref name=blackbird /><ref name=five_questions />

The company has also been awarded other grants by Advance Queensland<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://statements.qld.gov.au/Statement/2017/9/3/advance-queensland-support-for-new-rocket-propulsion-technology|title=Advance Queensland support for new rocket propulsion technology|access-date=2018-06-15|language=en-AU}}</ref> in Australia, and the [[Singapore Economic Development Board]].

In June 2018, it received the Australian Trade & Investment Commission Innovation Award by the [[Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry|Australian Chamber of Commerce]], Singapore "for the individual or organisation that has demonstrated innovation through bringing progressive and new ideas to business in priority sectors".<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://cdn.ymaws.com/www.austcham.org.sg/resource/resmgr/rica/may/june/austcham_singapore_business_.pdf|title=AustCham President's Lunch & Business Awards 2018|date=June 8, 2018|website=austcham.org.sg/default.aspx|access-date=2018-06-15}}</ref>

In September 2018, the company became of the first Australian space companies to raise a Series-B investment round of US$14 million, led by [[CSIRO]] venture capital arm, Main Sequence Ventures.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://spacenews.com/australian-startup-raises-14-million-for-smallsat-launchers/|title=Australian startup raises $14 million for smallsat launchers|date=2018-09-28|website=SpaceNews.com|language=en-US|access-date=2019-11-06}}</ref>

In June 2019, Gilmour Space CEO Adam Gilmour was named the Advance Award winner in Advanced Manufacturing. The Advance Awards showcases the work of Australian citizens or residents who have made a significant global contribution overseas across selected industries.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.manmonthly.com.au/Advance+Australia+recognises+new+space+pioneer|title=Advance Australia recognises new space pioneer|date=2019-09-11|website=Manufacturers' Monthly|language=en-AU|access-date=2019-11-06}}</ref>

In November 2019, Adam was made a member of the Australian Space Agency's Space Industry Leaders Forum, which keeps the Agency informed on industry relevant issues and provides a coordination point for the civil space sector.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.industry.gov.au/about-us/our-structure/our-structure/about-the-australian-space-agency/space-industry-leaders-forum|title=Space Industry Leaders Forum|last=Department of Industry|first=Innovation and Science|date=2019-11-18|website=Department of Industry, Innovation and Science|access-date=2020-01-23}}</ref>

In December 2019, Gilmour Space signed a statement of strategic intent with the Australian Space Agency as a demonstration of its commitment to launch Australia to space.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.karenandrewsmp.com.au/media/scaling-up-for-the-next-generation-of-rocket-technology/|title=SCALING UP FOR THE NEXT GENERATION OF ROCKET TECHNOLOGY|website=Karen Andrews MP|language=en-AU|access-date=2020-01-23}}</ref>

In the first quarter 2020, Gilmour Space was awarded a $3 million Cooperative Research Centres Projects (CRC-P) and a $0.25 million Advanced Manufacturing Growth Center (AMGC) grant, to work with partners to manufacture new composite parts for rockets.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Rocket startup Gilmour Space gets a $3M grant to develop lighter fuel tanks|url=https://social.techcrunch.com/2020/02/13/rocket-startup-gilmour-space-gets-a-3-million-grant-to-develop-lighter-fuel-tanks/|access-date=2020-10-19|website=TechCrunch|language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|date=2020-03-11|title=Australian rocket company's million-dollar composite idea to lift off|url=https://www.amgc.org.au/news/australian-rocket-companys-million-dollar-composite-idea-to-lift-off/|access-date=2020-10-19|website=ADVANCED MANUFACTURING GROWTH CENTRE|language=en-AU}}</ref>

In November 2020, Gilmour Space was named 'Launch Business of the Year' and 'Business of the Year - SME' at the inaugural 2020 Space Industry Awards.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Winners & Finalists|url=http://www.spaceconnectonline.com.au/australian-space-awards/winners-and-finalists|access-date=2021-01-23|website=www.spaceconnectonline.com.au|language=en}}</ref>


Since then, the company has engaged with the indigenous Juru people<ref>{{Cite web |last=Space |first=Gilmour |date=2021-12-14 |title=Juru Traditional Owners support rocket launches from Bowen |url=https://www.gspace.com/post/juru-traditional-owners-support-rocket-launches-from-bowen |access-date=2023-08-29 |website=Gilmour Space |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Space |first=Gilmour |date=2022-03-07 |title=Juru Smoke Ceremony Ushers in a New Space Future for QLD, Australia |url=https://www.gspace.com/post/juru-smoke-ceremony-ushers-in-a-new-space-future-for-qld-australia |access-date=2023-08-29 |website=Gilmour Space |language=en}}</ref> and local businesses to construct the Bowen Orbital Spaceport. When approved, this privately operated site will provide Gilmour Space with launch access to 20° to 65° low- to mid-inclination equatorial orbits.
In April 2021, Gilmour Space signed a Memorandum of Understanding with [https://www.eosspacelink.com/ SpaceLink], an American company building an “information superhighway for the space economy” using communications technology between low-orbit satellites and the ground.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2021-04-16|title=Gilmour Space teams up with SpaceLink|url=https://www.innovationaus.com/gilmour-space-teams-up-with-spacelink/|access-date=2021-04-23|website=InnovationAus|language=en-US}}</ref>


In May 2021, it was announced that an environmental and technical study conducted by the [[Queensland Government|Queensland government]] for [[Abbot Point]], [[Bowen, Queensland|Bowen]] was passed which gave the green light for Gilmour Space to construct a launch facility and conduct spaceflight activities at Abbot Point.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Alexandra Cooper|date=2021-05-21|title=Gilmour Space to build Abbot Point rocket launch site|url=https://www.manmonthly.com.au/news/gilmour-space-build-abbot-point-rocket-launch-site/|access-date=2021-10-07|website=Manufacturers' Monthly|language=en-AU}}</ref>
Following final approvals from the Federal Government and Australian Space Agency, BOS became Australia's first commercial orbital spaceport on the 5th of March 2024,<ref>{{Cite web |title=Green Light for First Australian Orbital Spaceport in Bowen, QLD |url=https://www.gspace.com/post/green-light-for-first-australian-orbital-spaceport-in-bowen-qld |access-date=2024-03-26 |website=www.gspace.com|date=5 March 2024 }}</ref> with its maiden launch with Eris (also Australia's first orbital launch vehicle) planned for later in 2024.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Space |first=Gilmour |date=2024-04-05 |title=Gilmour Space launches Bowen Orbital Spaceport in north QLD |url=https://www.gspace.com/post/gilmour-space-launches-bowen-orbital-spaceport |access-date=2024-04-09 |website=Gilmour Space |language=en}}</ref>


== Others ==
In November 2021, Gilmour Space was named one of the 'World's Best Employers in the Space Industry' by Everything Space, a recruitment platform specializing in the [[space industry]].<ref>{{Cite web|title=World's Best Employers in the Space Industry|url=https://everythingspace.com/blog/worlds-best-employers-in-the-space-industry|access-date=2021-11-13|website=Everything Space|language=en-US|archive-date=13 November 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211113133952/https://everythingspace.com/blog/worlds-best-employers-in-the-space-industry|url-status=dead}}</ref>
In February 2018 (since lapsed), Gilmour Space signed a reimbursable [[Space Act Agreement]] with [[NASA]] to collaborate on various research, technology development and educational initiatives, including the testing of its MARS rover at [[Kennedy Space Center]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Grubb |first=Ben |date=2018-02-19 |title=Aussie rocket brothers ink NASA deal as local space agency wait continues |url=https://www.smh.com.au/technology/aussie-rocket-brothers-ink-nasa-deal-as-local-space-agency-wait-continues-20180219-p4z0w0.html |access-date=2018-06-15 |website=The Sydney Morning Herald |language=en}}</ref>


In December 2019, Gilmour Space signed a statement of strategic intent with the Australian Space Agency as a demonstration of its commitment to launch Australia to space.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.karenandrewsmp.com.au/media/scaling-up-for-the-next-generation-of-rocket-technology/|title=SCALING UP FOR THE NEXT GENERATION OF ROCKET TECHNOLOGY|website=Karen Andrews MP|date=11 December 2019 |language=en-AU|access-date=2020-01-23}}</ref>
== See also ==


In June 2022, it was confirmed that Gilmour Space had been awarded a federal Modern Manufacturing Initiative Collaboration grant to establish the Australian Space Manufacturing Network in Queensland.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Space |first=Gilmour |date=2023-06-07 |title=Gilmour Space confirms MMI funding for Australian Space Manufacturing Network |url=https://www.gspace.com/post/gilmour-space-confirms-mmi-funding-for-australian-space-manufacturing-network |access-date=2023-08-29 |website=Gilmour Space |language=en}}</ref>
* [[Astra (aerospace)|Astra]]
* [[Rocket Lab]]
* [[PLD Space]]
* [[Firefly Aerospace]]
* [[ABL Space Systems|ABL]]
* [[Isar Aerospace]]
* [[Rocket Factory Augsburg]]
* [[Orbex]]
* [[Pythom]]
* [[Skyrora]]


==References==
==References==
Line 216: Line 128:
[[Category:Aerospace companies of Australia]]
[[Category:Aerospace companies of Australia]]
[[Category:Companies based on the Gold Coast, Queensland]]
[[Category:Companies based on the Gold Coast, Queensland]]
[[Category:Space programme of Australia]]

Latest revision as of 04:12, 24 June 2024

Gilmour Space Technologies
Company typePrivate
Founded2013; 11 years ago (2013)
FoundersAdam Gilmour, James Gilmour
Headquarters
Helensvale, Queensland
,
Australia
ServicesOrbital launch vehicle, spaceport, satellite bus
Number of employees
200
Websitewww.gspace.com

Gilmour Space Technologies is a venture-funded Australian aerospace company that is developing hybrid-propellant rocket engines and associated technologies to support the deployment of a low-cost launch vehicle.[1]

Founded in 2012, Gilmour Space's function is to provide space launch services to the small satellite market – offering a range of Australian-built Eris orbital rockets, launched from Gilmour's private spaceport in north Queensland; and a modular G-Sat small satellite bus/platform.[2]

The maiden flight of its Eris rocket, which was unveiled by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese as Australia's first sovereign-made orbital rocket,[3] is planned for no earlier than 2024 from the Bowen Orbital Spaceport in Abbot Point, Bowen.[4]

Gilmour Space has near-term plans to develop a range of Eris launch vehicles capable of carrying larger satellites/payloads into Low Earth Orbits, and eventually provide space access for human spaceflight and exploration.[5]

Founding[edit]

Gilmour Space was founded in Singapore (2012; closed 2019) and Australia (2013) by former banker, Adam Gilmour, and his brother James Gilmour.

The company's first project in 2013 was to design and manufacture high-fidelity spaceflight simulators and replicas for a number of space-related exhibits and the Spaceflight Academy Gold Coast.[6][7] It began its rocket development program in 2015; and within 18 months, successfully launched Australia and Singapore's first privately developed hybrid test rocket using proprietary 3D printed fuel.[8]

Since then, the company has been developing larger rockets, including the One Vision suborbital rocket and Eris orbital launch vehicle (more below).

Investors[edit]

As a leading New Space pioneer in Australia, Gilmour Space is backed by some of the country's largest investors, including Blackbird Ventures (which led its Series A fund raise[9]) and Main Sequence Ventures (which led its Series B raise[10]); as well as international investors like Fine Structure Ventures (Series C[11]) and 500 Startups. Other investors include Queensland Investment Corporation and Australian superannuation funds Hostplus, HESTA and NGS Super.

Launch vehicles[edit]

RASTA test rocket[edit]

RASTA (Reusable Ascent SeparaTion Article) was a sub-orbital sounding rocket launched by Gilmour Space on 22 July 2016,[12] propelled by a proprietary hybrid rocket engine. It performed nominally during the test flight and reached an apogee of 5 km. RASTA was the first launch vehicle flown by Gilmour Space and was the world's first demonstration of a rocket launch using 3D printed fuel.[13]

One Vision suborbital rocket[edit]

One Vision was a sub-orbital sounding rocket designed to test Gilmour Space's new mobile launch platform and their hybrid rocket engines.[14][15] On 29 July 2019, One Vision was prepared and fuelled for its maiden test flight, however, during the countdown to launch, the vehicle suffered an anomaly, resulting in a premature end to the mission. The anomaly was caused by a pressure regulator in the oxidiser tank that had failed to maintain required pressure, causing damage to the tank.[15] According to the company, after a detailed investigation into the anomaly, 15 key recommendations were implemented into the design of Eris. As part of the One Vision launch campaign, the company also designed and built a mobile rocket launch platform (as there were no commercial Australian launch sites at the time), which was successfully tested during the campaign.

Eris orbital rocket[edit]

Gilmour Space is currently developing its Eris Block 1 rocket, a three-stage small-lift launch vehicle designed to launch up to 300 kg of payload to low Earth orbit. The vehicle is known to have four of Gilmour's Sirius hybrid rocket motors propelling the first stage, another Sirius motor in its second stage, and a new Phoenix liquid rocket engine in its third stage. Eris has a height of 25m and a diameter of 2m for the first stage, which tapers at the interstage of the first and second stage to 1.5m.[16] The payload fairing has two diameter configurations, being 1.5m and 1.2m.[17]

Eris's maiden launch is targeted for 2024, pending final approvals from the Federal Government and Australian Space Agency.[4] It will be the first Australian orbital rocket to launch from Australia, and the first orbital launch attempt from Australia in over 50 years. Moreover, if successful, Eris could be the world's first hybrid rocket to achieve orbit.

Gilmour Space has revealed it is developing an Eris Block 2 vehicle capable of lifting up to 1,000 kg to low Earth orbit, which is expected to enter commercial service in 2026. The company has also unveiled future plans for an Eris Heavy variant, which would be capable of lifting 4,000 kg payloads into orbit. If built, Eris Heavy would be classified as a medium-lift launch vehicle, potentially capable of carrying human-rated spacecraft.[18]

Eris first went vertical on the launchpad on 11 April 2024 in preparation for launch,[19] but did not have a launch permit yet as of 26 May.[20]

Engine static tests[edit]

Since starting its rocket program in 2015, Gilmour Space has conducted hundreds of engine static test firings, most recently:

Engine static test firings
Date Achieved Thrust Duration Engine Name
February, 2018[21] 70 kN 4 seconds "G-70" One Vision Engine[22]
May, 2018[23] 75 kN 12 seconds Eris First/Second Stage Engine[24]
August, 2018[25] 80 kN 17 seconds Eris First/Second Stage Engine[24]
January, 2020[26] 91 kN 10 seconds Eris First/Second Stage Engine[24]
June, 2020[27] Unknown 45 seconds Eris Third Stage Engine
July, 2020[28] Unknown 110 seconds Eris Third Stage Engine
February, 2021[29] 90 kN 30 seconds Eris First/Second Stage Engine[24]
January 2022[30] 110 kN 75 seconds Eris hybrid First/Second Stage Engine
November 2022[31] 115 kN 100 seconds Eris hybrid First/Second Stage Engine

Bowen Orbital Spaceport (BOS)[edit]

In May 2021, results from an environmental and technical study conducted by the Queensland government for Abbot Point, Bowen gave Gilmour Space the green light to begin work on an orbital launch facility at located in the Abbot Point Development Area.[32]

Since then, the company has engaged with the indigenous Juru people[33][34] and local businesses to construct the Bowen Orbital Spaceport. When approved, this privately operated site will provide Gilmour Space with launch access to 20° to 65° low- to mid-inclination equatorial orbits.

Following final approvals from the Federal Government and Australian Space Agency, BOS became Australia's first commercial orbital spaceport on the 5th of March 2024,[35] with its maiden launch with Eris (also Australia's first orbital launch vehicle) planned for later in 2024.[36]

Others[edit]

In February 2018 (since lapsed), Gilmour Space signed a reimbursable Space Act Agreement with NASA to collaborate on various research, technology development and educational initiatives, including the testing of its MARS rover at Kennedy Space Center.[37]

In December 2019, Gilmour Space signed a statement of strategic intent with the Australian Space Agency as a demonstration of its commitment to launch Australia to space.[38]

In June 2022, it was confirmed that Gilmour Space had been awarded a federal Modern Manufacturing Initiative Collaboration grant to establish the Australian Space Manufacturing Network in Queensland.[39]

References[edit]

  1. ^ John Mcduling (30 May 2017). "Blackbird shoots for the moon and Mars with Gilmour Space investment". Australian Financial Review. Retrieved 2 June 2017.
  2. ^ "Gilmour has eyes on the sky". AMTIL. 10 March 2023. Retrieved 29 August 2023.
  3. ^ "Doorstop interview - Helensvale | Prime Minister of Australia". www.pm.gov.au. Retrieved 28 August 2023.
  4. ^ a b Gilmour Space [@GilmourSpace] (5 December 2023). "** LAUNCH UPDATE: With end of year fast-approaching and launch approvals still pending, Test Flight 1 will now attempt first orbital launch in 2024. **" (Tweet). Retrieved 5 December 2023 – via Twitter.
  5. ^ Klein, Alice (20 November 2022). "Australia's first rocket is set to launch into space in April 2023". New Scientist. Retrieved 28 November 2022.
  6. ^ "Fly like Bert with new Hinkler Hall exhibition". Bundaberg Regional Council. 25 May 2017. Archived from the original on 15 June 2018. Retrieved 2 June 2017.
  7. ^ Andrew Potts (17 June 2016). "Gold Coast company aims for stars at Pimpama". Gold Coast Bulletin. Retrieved 2 June 2017.
  8. ^ Jack Harbour (29 July 2016). "Gold Coast's first suborbital rocket successfully launched". Gold Coast Bulletin. Retrieved 2 June 2017.
  9. ^ Space, Gilmour (30 May 2017). "Rocket startup shoots for the stars with AUD 5 million (USD 3.7 million) Series-A funding". Gilmour Space. Retrieved 29 August 2023.
  10. ^ "Gilmour Space secures AUD 19 million to launch next-generation hybrid rockets to space". Gilmour Space. 28 September 2018. Retrieved 29 August 2023.
  11. ^ Space, Gilmour (29 June 2021). "Gilmour Space rockets ahead with $61M Series C funding". Gilmour Space. Retrieved 29 August 2023.
  12. ^ Gilmour Space - 1st RASTA hybrid rocket launch, 17 December 2019, retrieved 12 April 2021
  13. ^ hermes (3 August 2016). "3D printing taking off in emerging 'space' in Singapore". The Straits Times. Retrieved 6 November 2019.
  14. ^ Space, Gilmour (1 February 2019). "Gilmour Space unveils One Vision rocket ahead of suborbital test launch". Gilmour Space. Retrieved 12 April 2021.
  15. ^ a b Space, Gilmour (30 July 2019). "One Vision statement". Gilmour Space. Retrieved 12 April 2021.
  16. ^ "LAUNCH". Gilmour Space. Retrieved 12 April 2021.
  17. ^ "LAUNCH". Gilmour Space. Retrieved 23 April 2021.
  18. ^ Hava, Chloe (20 October 2022). "Inside the countdown to Australia's first homegrown rocket launch". Create Digital. Retrieved 3 June 2024.
  19. ^ "Australia's first locally-made orbital rocket goes vertical for the first time". www.abc.net.au. 11 April 2024. Retrieved 12 April 2024.
  20. ^ "Countdown: Gilmour's long wait for a launch permit". Retrieved 24 June 2024.
  21. ^ Space, Gilmour (6 March 2018). "Australian rocket company achieves 70 kN thrust in world's largest single-port hybrid engine test". Gilmour Space. Retrieved 27 May 2021.
  22. ^ "Australian rocket company achieves 70 kN thrust in world's largest single-port hybrid engine test". "This G-70 engine will be powering our next rocket to the edge of space in the second quarter of 2018..."
  23. ^ Space, Gilmour (29 May 2018). "Gilmour Space prepares for suborbital hybrid rocket launch with 75 kN (16,900 lbs) test-fire". Gilmour Space. Retrieved 27 May 2021.
  24. ^ a b c d "New Year, new record". "This is the engine that will be powering the first and second stages of our Eris orbital vehicle..."
  25. ^ Space, Gilmour (19 August 2018). "Gilmour Space achieves record 80 kN thrust in hybrid rocket engine test". Gilmour Space. Retrieved 27 May 2021.
  26. ^ Space, Gilmour (19 January 2021). "New Year, new record". Gilmour Space. Retrieved 27 May 2021.
  27. ^ Space, Gilmour (24 June 2020). "Gilmour Space achieves 45-second hybrid rocket engine test fire". Gilmour Space. Retrieved 27 May 2021.
  28. ^ Space, Gilmour (12 July 2020). "Gilmour Space achieves successful 110-second mission duty cycle test fire". Gilmour Space. Retrieved 27 May 2021.
  29. ^ Space, Gilmour (19 February 2021). "Gilmour Space's 30-second, 90 kN thrust hotfire". Gilmour Space. Retrieved 27 May 2021.
  30. ^ Gilmour Space Test Fires The Largest Rocket Engine Developed In Australia Jan 2022
  31. ^ Gilmour Space completes final qualification test of Sirius hybrid rocket engine Nov 2022
  32. ^ Alexandra Cooper (21 May 2021). "Gilmour Space to build Abbot Point rocket launch site". Manufacturers' Monthly. Retrieved 7 October 2021.
  33. ^ Space, Gilmour (14 December 2021). "Juru Traditional Owners support rocket launches from Bowen". Gilmour Space. Retrieved 29 August 2023.
  34. ^ Space, Gilmour (7 March 2022). "Juru Smoke Ceremony Ushers in a New Space Future for QLD, Australia". Gilmour Space. Retrieved 29 August 2023.
  35. ^ "Green Light for First Australian Orbital Spaceport in Bowen, QLD". www.gspace.com. 5 March 2024. Retrieved 26 March 2024.
  36. ^ Space, Gilmour (5 April 2024). "Gilmour Space launches Bowen Orbital Spaceport in north QLD". Gilmour Space. Retrieved 9 April 2024.
  37. ^ Grubb, Ben (19 February 2018). "Aussie rocket brothers ink NASA deal as local space agency wait continues". The Sydney Morning Herald. Retrieved 15 June 2018.
  38. ^ "SCALING UP FOR THE NEXT GENERATION OF ROCKET TECHNOLOGY". Karen Andrews MP. 11 December 2019. Retrieved 23 January 2020.
  39. ^ Space, Gilmour (7 June 2023). "Gilmour Space confirms MMI funding for Australian Space Manufacturing Network". Gilmour Space. Retrieved 29 August 2023.

27°49′02″S 153°17′03″E / 27.8171°S 153.2842°E / -27.8171; 153.2842

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