Subscribe now

Space

Australia could launch its first private orbital rocket within weeks

Gilmour Space is awaiting approval from the Australian Space Agency for the first launch of its Eris Block 1 orbital rocket, with plans to deploy a satellite as soon as April

By James Woodford

6 March 2024

The Eris Block 1 rocket

Gilmour Space Technologies

Within weeks, the Australian government is expected to approve the country’s first private orbital rocket launch, joining just a handful of space-faring nations that have done the same.

Gilmour Space, which has developed the new rocket, announced this week that the Australian Space Agency (ASA) has granted it approval to operate the Bowen Orbital Spaceport in North Queensland, Australia. The company has also set a goal of having Australian astronauts in orbit, launched from Australia, by the end of this decade.

Sign up to our weekly newsletter

Receive a weekly dose of discovery in your inbox! We'll also keep you up to date with New Scientist events and special offers.

Sign up

To continue reading, subscribe today with our introductory offers

View introductory offers

No commitment, cancel anytime*

Offer ends 2nd of July 2024.

*Cancel anytime within 14 days of payment to receive a refund on unserved issues.

Inclusive of applicable taxes (VAT)

or

Existing subscribers

Sign in to your account