Gilmour Space Technologies

Gilmour Space Technologies is a venture-backed Australian aerospace company headquartered on the Gold Coast, Queensland, developing low-cost orbital and suborbital launch vehicles and satellite platforms. The company focuses on a combination of hybrid and liquid propulsion technologies to provide more affordable access to space for commercial, government, and defense customers.

In North Queensland, Gilmour operates the Bowen Orbital Spaceport at the Abbot Point State Development Area—Australia’s first licensed commercial orbital launch facility—capable of supporting launches into low- and mid-inclination orbits (approximately 20° to 65°). At 20°S, the site still offers a take-off velocity of 437 ms^-1 compared with 465 ms^–1 at the Equator.

Gilmour’s primary launch vehicle under development is the Eris three-stage orbital rocket, designed to carry small satellites into low Earth orbit (LEO). The company is also developing satellite buses under the ElaraSat family and has advanced hybrid rocket engine technologies for both first and second stages.

On 30 July 2025, Gilmour conducted the maiden launch attempt of its Eris rocket from Bowen. The vehicle briefly lifted off but did not reach orbit, with flight ending about 14 seconds after launch. The company described the event as a significant step for Australia’s sovereign space capability and plans further test flights.

Gilmour has secured substantial private investment, including a major Series E funding round announced in January 2026, bringing together institutional backers and government support to accelerate spaceport development, rocket production, and future launches.