The Space Industry Association of Australia (SIAA) extends our congratulations to Gilmour Space Technologies on their test launch of the Eris TestFlight 1 rocket, which successfully lifted off from the launch pad at approximately 8.35 am AEST on Wednesday 30^th July 2025. The rocket launched from the pad and was in the air for approximately 14 seconds before an uncontrolled return to the launchpad.

Gilmour Space Technologies has achieved a national milestone, with the first privately-owned orbital launch vehicle to lift off from home soil. The Eris launch vehicle is the first Australian-made rocket capable of launching satellites into orbit. Only 12 nations in the world have the capability to launch their own rockets to orbit.

SIAA’s CEO Dan Lloyd remarked, “Space is hard, we know this. Gilmour Space Technologies is to be applauded on this milestone achievement. Getting the Eris rocket off the pad made this launch attempt a moment that should be nationally recognised.”

“Gilmour Space Technologies achieved their mission to flight test the vehicle, collecting data from today’s launch to improve rocket reliability and performance for future launches. This reflects the ongoing capability uplift and maturation of our space sector across the entire value chain. Launch vehicle iteration is not new. SpaceX’s first three launch attempts were not successful, highlighting the importance of test flights for national capability development.”

Adam Gilmour, CEO of Gilmour Space Technologies noted on the launch attempt that the rocket, “We cleared the pad. Of course, I’d have liked more flight time, but getting an Australian-built rocket off the ground, from an Australian launch site — both of which we designed, built, and now operate — is a major achievement.”

SIAA’s CEO, Dan Lloyd, is available for further comment.

-ENDS-

The Space Industry of Australia is the national peak body for the space industry in Australia. Formed in 1992, SIAA hosted the 2017 International Astronautical Congress in Adelaide which led to the establishment of the Australian Space Agency in 2018. SIAA and its member companies work closely with Australian governments, international partners, academia, and industry to advance Australia’s space industry and economy. In 2025, SIAA will host the 76^th International Astronautical Congress in Sydney from 29 September to 3 October.