Eris
Australia's first homegrown orbital rocket. Its 2025 debut failed seconds after liftoff and Gilmour is targeting a second attempt in late 2026.
Why it matters
Australia has no orbital rocket of its own. A working Eris would let Australian government and commercial satellites launch from home soil.
How the technology works
Eris uses hybrid motors, which burn a solid fuel with a liquid oxidizer pumped by electric motors. The first flight lost thrust when the oxidizer pump system failed.
It launches from Bowen Orbital Spaceport in north Queensland.
Sources
Updated Oct 22, 2026 · How we source facts · Suggest a correction