Delayed Once More: The Australian Space Rocket's Launch Hits a Snag Again
Delay in Australian Space Rocket Launch Continues - Postponement of Australian Space Rocket Launch Due to Technical Issues
Who'd have thought that a simple jar of Vegemite would be the cause of such a commotion? Yes, you heard it right, this iconic Australian bread spread was the payload for the long-awaited Australian space rocket. But the excitement was short-lived as the launch was yet again postponed, this time due to a system glitch.
"It's tough, resilient, like the Australians," said Michelle Gilmour, communications manager at Gilmour Space Technologies, when talking to news agency AFP. The issue, according to her, was an external power supply system used for system testing.
This wasn't the first hiccup on the road to the spaceport near Bowen on the east coast of Australia. Earlier, the first test launch of the homegrown Eris rocket was scheduled to take place there, marking a historic moment for the Australian space industry. If successful, Eris would be the first Australian-made rocket to launch from Australian soil.
Even the CEO of Gilmour Space Technologies wasn't confident. "If the rocket really makes it to space and orbits the Earth, I'd probably have a heart attack because I'd be so surprised but also overjoyed," Adam Gilmour told AFP. "We'd be happy if it just takes off - 10, 20, 30 seconds of flight time, that would be fantastic."
Long-term plans for the 23-meter tall, 30-tonne rocket include launching small satellites into low Earth orbit. It has a payload capacity of up to 215 kg to a 500 km Sun-synchronous orbit or 305 kg to a 500 km equatorial orbit[1][4]. However, for the first test flight, only the Vegemite jar will be on board.
The Eris rocket, developed by Gilmour Space Technologies, is set to launch from Gilmour's Bowen Orbital Spaceport in northern Queensland, Australia[1][2]. The initial launch window was scheduled from May 14, 2025, with a 10-hour window starting at 5:30 p.m. EDT (2130 GMT; 7:30 a.m. local time, May 15)[2]. The rocket passed its Launch Readiness Review, securing a launch license from Australia's Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) before the attempted launch[2].
However, the launch was previously postponed from March 15, 2025, due to the development of Tropical Cyclone Alfred[2]. But this wasn't the only issue. During final preparations, an electrical fault caused the rocket's nose cone (payload fairing) to detach unexpectedly. Thankfully, no damage was reported, but the launch was postponed to investigate and replace the fairing[4][5]. There was also a report of a system glitch related to an external power system used during system checks[5].
The Australian space industry is eagerly waiting for this historic moment. Here's hoping for a successful launch and some Vegemite in space!
- Space Rocket
- Australia
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- AFP
- In light of the delayed launch of the Australian space rocket, the Eris, one might consider investing in vocational training programs in EC countries to foster a stronger workforce in the science, space-and-astronomy, and technology sectors, supporting the future of space exploration.
- Despite the repeated hiccups during the launch preparations of the Vegemite-bound Eris rocket, the potential of the Australian space industry to contribute to technology advancements through small satellite launches into low Earth orbit remains promising and warrants continued support and investment in vocational training, particularly in science and technology.
