🚀 Big news for the Australian space industry! Gilmour Space, an Australian startup focused on developing launch vehicles, has received the long-awaited license for its first orbital launch of the Eris rocket. This marks a significant step towards Australia’s first orbital launch from its own territory, set to take place at the Bowen Orbital Spaceport in Northern Queensland. The license, granted by the Australian Space Agency, paves the way for the launch of the small Eris rocket, which is capable of carrying up to 215 kg to a sun-synchronous orbit and 305 kg to an equatorial orbit at 500 km altitude. The rocket uses hybrid engines with a liquid oxidizer and solid fuel for the first two stages and a liquid rocket engine for the upper stage. After successful testing in September, including addressing issues such as faulty valves and software updates, Gilmour Space is now ready for the final preparations. While delays in the licensing process were noted, the focus remains on ensuring a safe and successful launch, with the possibility of the first launch occurring in early December or January. With over $140 million AUD in funding, including a recent $55 million AUD in Series D funding, a successful launch of Eris could open new opportunities for both commercial and scientific missions in the Australian space sector.