An Australian-made rocket has been launched from home soil for the first time, only to crash moments later.
The 14-second maiden flight in Bowen, north Queensland, was hailed a ‘major step’ toward Australia joining a potentially lucrative global space industry.
To mark the milestone, a jar of Vegemite was the only occupant of the 23-metre, 35-tonne Eris rocket.
Spectators at the coastal town of Bowen near Townsville gathered while thousands around the world watched via YouTube channel Aussienaut when it launched about 8.30am.
The rocket took off with plumes of smoke erupting from underneath before hovering in the air briefly and then crashing into the ground nearby.
There were no injuries or environmental impacts, the Gold Coast-based company said.
‘Off the pad, I am happy,’ CEO Adam Gilmour posted on LinkedIn.
An Australian-made rocket has been launched from home soil for the first time
Unfortunately the rocket crashed shortly after liftoff
Thousands of spectators watched from the coastal town of Bowen near Townsville in Queensland
‘Of course, I would have liked more flight time, but happy with this.’
He later posted on Facebook: ‘For a maiden test flight, especially after an extended 18-month wait on the pad for final approvals, this is a strong result and a major step forward for Australia’s sovereign space capability.’
The flight was brief but was still set to provide vital data.
‘Space is hard. SpaceX, Rocket Lab and others needed multiple test flights to reach orbit,’ Mr Gilmour said in a statement.
‘We’ve learned a tremendous amount that will go directly into improving our next vehicle, which is already in production.
‘This was the first real test of our rocket systems, our propulsion technology, and our spaceport – and it proved that much of what we’ve built works.’
Gilmour Space Technologies is looking to design and manufacture rockets to carry satellites into space, using new hybrid propulsion technology.
If successful, the company’s rockets are set to carry small satellites to orbit for business and government in a low cost service – one that is in growing demand globally.
Aboard the rocket was Vegemite amongst other things
Gilmour Space Technologies CEO Adam Gilmour said he was just happy his rocket made it off the launch pad
‘Satellites and communication are worth billions and billions in the global space economy,’ Swinburne University of Technology’s Rebecca Allen told AAP.
‘And it would mean huge benefits for the Australian economy and jobs if the rockets are to be manufactured here.
‘In terms of a developed nation we are considered pretty far behind where we should be – this is definitely bringing us up closer to where we should be.’
The launch had been delayed for months because of weather conditions and technical issues.
It was set to take off on Tuesday afternoon and was 10 minutes out from launching, only to be halted because of high winds.
Australia’s attempt to enter the space race didn’t last long but Dr Allen agreed it was a success.
‘The launch is a major milestone for the space industry here. It’s huge,’ she said.
‘Once this rocket is more reliable and fully able to undertake launches to lower orbit, it means we are not relying on another country to access space.’
Gilmour Space Technologies was recently awarded a $5 million grant from the federal government to assist with the launch after receiving $52 million in Commonwealth funding to lead a space manufacturing network in Australia.
‘Only six nations launch to orbit regularly and just a handful are working to join them – today brings Australia closer to that club,’ Mr Gilmour said.
