Gilmour Space Technologies has been given a permit to launch Australia’s first commercial orbital rocket, the company said on Tuesday.
The company will launch its 25-metre Eris rocket from northern Queensland, after being approved by the Australian Space Agency.
“With this green light, we will soon attempt the first orbital test flight of an Australian-made rocket from Australian soil,” said Gilmour Space CEO Adam Gilmour. "Our team is assessing the conditions of the permit and will advise on the anticipated launch date for Eris TestFlight1 in the coming weeks."
Gilmour Space was granted its orbital launch facility licence in March.
No date has yet been set for the Eris launch. Gilmour Space aims to launch before mid-December, but a 30-day notification period is needed.
The company originally hoped to launch the rocket in 2023, but were delayed while seeking regulatory approvals.
The Eris rocket was designed and built in Australia.
Gilmour Space raised A$55 million in a Series D funding round in February, led by the Queensland Investment Corporation.
“This investment will allow us to enhance Australia’s sovereign space and defence capabilities, onshore more manufacturing, and to hire and upskill even more Queenslanders,” Adam Gilmour said at the time.