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The Advertiser
8 hours ago
- The Advertiser
Aussie rocket carrying Vegemite lifts off, then crashes
Australia, we have lift-off. An Australian-made rocket has been launched from home soil for the first time, only to crash moments later. The 14-second maiden flight in Bowen, north Queensland, was hailed a "major step" toward Australia joining a potentially lucrative global space industry. Gilmour Space Technologies on Wednesday made history with the first orbital launch attempt by a rocket designed and built in Australia. To mark the milestone, a jar of Vegemite was the only occupant of the 23-metre, 35-tonne Eris rocket. Spectators at the coastal town of Bowen near Townsville gathered while thousands around the world watched via YouTube channel Aussienaut when it launched about 8.30am. The rocket took off with plumes of smoke erupting from underneath before hovering in the air briefly and then crashing into the ground nearby. There were no injuries or environmental impacts, the Gold Coast-based company said. "Off the pad, I am happy," CEO Adam Gilmour posted on LinkedIn. "Of course, I would have liked more flight time, but happy with this." He later posted on Facebook: "For a maiden test flight, especially after an extended 18-month wait on the pad for final approvals, this is a strong result and a major step forward for Australia's sovereign space capability." The flight was brief but was still set to provide vital data. "Space is hard. SpaceX, Rocket Lab and others needed multiple test flights to reach orbit," Mr Gilmour said in a statement. "We've learned a tremendous amount that will go directly into improving our next vehicle, which is already in production. "This was the first real test of our rocket systems, our propulsion technology, and our spaceport - and it proved that much of what we've built works." Gilmour Space Technologies is looking to design and manufacture rockets to carry satellites into space, using new hybrid propulsion technology. If successful, the company's rockets are set to carry small satellites to orbit for business and government in a low cost service - one that is in growing demand globally. "Satellites and communication are worth billions and billions in the global space economy," Swinburne University of Technology's Rebecca Allen told AAP. "And it would mean huge benefits for the Australian economy and jobs if the rockets are to be manufactured here. "In terms of a developed nation we are considered pretty far behind where we should be - this is definitely bringing us up closer to where we should be." The launch had been delayed for months because of weather conditions and technical issues. It was set to take off on Tuesday afternoon and was 10 minutes out from launching, only to be halted because of high winds. Australia's attempt to enter the space race didn't last long but Dr Allen agreed it was a success. "The launch is a major milestone for the space industry here. It's huge," she said. "Once this rocket is more reliable and fully able to undertake launches to lower orbit, it means we are not relying on another country to access space." Gilmour Space Technologies was recently awarded a $5 million grant from the federal government to assist with the launch after receiving $52 million in Commonwealth funding to lead a space manufacturing network in Australia. "Only six nations launch to orbit regularly and just a handful are working to join them - today brings Australia closer to that club," Mr Gilmour said. Australia, we have lift-off. An Australian-made rocket has been launched from home soil for the first time, only to crash moments later. The 14-second maiden flight in Bowen, north Queensland, was hailed a "major step" toward Australia joining a potentially lucrative global space industry. Gilmour Space Technologies on Wednesday made history with the first orbital launch attempt by a rocket designed and built in Australia. To mark the milestone, a jar of Vegemite was the only occupant of the 23-metre, 35-tonne Eris rocket. Spectators at the coastal town of Bowen near Townsville gathered while thousands around the world watched via YouTube channel Aussienaut when it launched about 8.30am. The rocket took off with plumes of smoke erupting from underneath before hovering in the air briefly and then crashing into the ground nearby. There were no injuries or environmental impacts, the Gold Coast-based company said. "Off the pad, I am happy," CEO Adam Gilmour posted on LinkedIn. "Of course, I would have liked more flight time, but happy with this." He later posted on Facebook: "For a maiden test flight, especially after an extended 18-month wait on the pad for final approvals, this is a strong result and a major step forward for Australia's sovereign space capability." The flight was brief but was still set to provide vital data. "Space is hard. SpaceX, Rocket Lab and others needed multiple test flights to reach orbit," Mr Gilmour said in a statement. "We've learned a tremendous amount that will go directly into improving our next vehicle, which is already in production. "This was the first real test of our rocket systems, our propulsion technology, and our spaceport - and it proved that much of what we've built works." Gilmour Space Technologies is looking to design and manufacture rockets to carry satellites into space, using new hybrid propulsion technology. If successful, the company's rockets are set to carry small satellites to orbit for business and government in a low cost service - one that is in growing demand globally. "Satellites and communication are worth billions and billions in the global space economy," Swinburne University of Technology's Rebecca Allen told AAP. "And it would mean huge benefits for the Australian economy and jobs if the rockets are to be manufactured here. "In terms of a developed nation we are considered pretty far behind where we should be - this is definitely bringing us up closer to where we should be." The launch had been delayed for months because of weather conditions and technical issues. It was set to take off on Tuesday afternoon and was 10 minutes out from launching, only to be halted because of high winds. Australia's attempt to enter the space race didn't last long but Dr Allen agreed it was a success. "The launch is a major milestone for the space industry here. It's huge," she said. "Once this rocket is more reliable and fully able to undertake launches to lower orbit, it means we are not relying on another country to access space." Gilmour Space Technologies was recently awarded a $5 million grant from the federal government to assist with the launch after receiving $52 million in Commonwealth funding to lead a space manufacturing network in Australia. "Only six nations launch to orbit regularly and just a handful are working to join them - today brings Australia closer to that club," Mr Gilmour said. Australia, we have lift-off. An Australian-made rocket has been launched from home soil for the first time, only to crash moments later. The 14-second maiden flight in Bowen, north Queensland, was hailed a "major step" toward Australia joining a potentially lucrative global space industry. Gilmour Space Technologies on Wednesday made history with the first orbital launch attempt by a rocket designed and built in Australia. To mark the milestone, a jar of Vegemite was the only occupant of the 23-metre, 35-tonne Eris rocket. Spectators at the coastal town of Bowen near Townsville gathered while thousands around the world watched via YouTube channel Aussienaut when it launched about 8.30am. The rocket took off with plumes of smoke erupting from underneath before hovering in the air briefly and then crashing into the ground nearby. There were no injuries or environmental impacts, the Gold Coast-based company said. "Off the pad, I am happy," CEO Adam Gilmour posted on LinkedIn. "Of course, I would have liked more flight time, but happy with this." He later posted on Facebook: "For a maiden test flight, especially after an extended 18-month wait on the pad for final approvals, this is a strong result and a major step forward for Australia's sovereign space capability." The flight was brief but was still set to provide vital data. "Space is hard. SpaceX, Rocket Lab and others needed multiple test flights to reach orbit," Mr Gilmour said in a statement. "We've learned a tremendous amount that will go directly into improving our next vehicle, which is already in production. "This was the first real test of our rocket systems, our propulsion technology, and our spaceport - and it proved that much of what we've built works." Gilmour Space Technologies is looking to design and manufacture rockets to carry satellites into space, using new hybrid propulsion technology. If successful, the company's rockets are set to carry small satellites to orbit for business and government in a low cost service - one that is in growing demand globally. "Satellites and communication are worth billions and billions in the global space economy," Swinburne University of Technology's Rebecca Allen told AAP. "And it would mean huge benefits for the Australian economy and jobs if the rockets are to be manufactured here. "In terms of a developed nation we are considered pretty far behind where we should be - this is definitely bringing us up closer to where we should be." The launch had been delayed for months because of weather conditions and technical issues. It was set to take off on Tuesday afternoon and was 10 minutes out from launching, only to be halted because of high winds. Australia's attempt to enter the space race didn't last long but Dr Allen agreed it was a success. "The launch is a major milestone for the space industry here. It's huge," she said. "Once this rocket is more reliable and fully able to undertake launches to lower orbit, it means we are not relying on another country to access space." Gilmour Space Technologies was recently awarded a $5 million grant from the federal government to assist with the launch after receiving $52 million in Commonwealth funding to lead a space manufacturing network in Australia. "Only six nations launch to orbit regularly and just a handful are working to join them - today brings Australia closer to that club," Mr Gilmour said. Australia, we have lift-off. An Australian-made rocket has been launched from home soil for the first time, only to crash moments later. The 14-second maiden flight in Bowen, north Queensland, was hailed a "major step" toward Australia joining a potentially lucrative global space industry. Gilmour Space Technologies on Wednesday made history with the first orbital launch attempt by a rocket designed and built in Australia. To mark the milestone, a jar of Vegemite was the only occupant of the 23-metre, 35-tonne Eris rocket. Spectators at the coastal town of Bowen near Townsville gathered while thousands around the world watched via YouTube channel Aussienaut when it launched about 8.30am. The rocket took off with plumes of smoke erupting from underneath before hovering in the air briefly and then crashing into the ground nearby. There were no injuries or environmental impacts, the Gold Coast-based company said. "Off the pad, I am happy," CEO Adam Gilmour posted on LinkedIn. "Of course, I would have liked more flight time, but happy with this." He later posted on Facebook: "For a maiden test flight, especially after an extended 18-month wait on the pad for final approvals, this is a strong result and a major step forward for Australia's sovereign space capability." The flight was brief but was still set to provide vital data. "Space is hard. SpaceX, Rocket Lab and others needed multiple test flights to reach orbit," Mr Gilmour said in a statement. "We've learned a tremendous amount that will go directly into improving our next vehicle, which is already in production. "This was the first real test of our rocket systems, our propulsion technology, and our spaceport - and it proved that much of what we've built works." Gilmour Space Technologies is looking to design and manufacture rockets to carry satellites into space, using new hybrid propulsion technology. If successful, the company's rockets are set to carry small satellites to orbit for business and government in a low cost service - one that is in growing demand globally. "Satellites and communication are worth billions and billions in the global space economy," Swinburne University of Technology's Rebecca Allen told AAP. "And it would mean huge benefits for the Australian economy and jobs if the rockets are to be manufactured here. "In terms of a developed nation we are considered pretty far behind where we should be - this is definitely bringing us up closer to where we should be." The launch had been delayed for months because of weather conditions and technical issues. It was set to take off on Tuesday afternoon and was 10 minutes out from launching, only to be halted because of high winds. Australia's attempt to enter the space race didn't last long but Dr Allen agreed it was a success. "The launch is a major milestone for the space industry here. It's huge," she said. "Once this rocket is more reliable and fully able to undertake launches to lower orbit, it means we are not relying on another country to access space." Gilmour Space Technologies was recently awarded a $5 million grant from the federal government to assist with the launch after receiving $52 million in Commonwealth funding to lead a space manufacturing network in Australia. "Only six nations launch to orbit regularly and just a handful are working to join them - today brings Australia closer to that club," Mr Gilmour said.
9 News
10 hours ago
- 9 News
First-ever Australian-made rocket takes flight for 14 seconds then crashes
The first-ever Australian-made rocket to take flight in this country has crashed after 14 seconds of air time.
News.com.au
16 hours ago
- News.com.au
Study shows just one can of diet soft drink increases diabetes risk
If you're the type of person to crack open a diet soft drink at 3pm when you're looking for a pick-me-up without the calories, a new study says that this daily habit might be doing more harm than you think. New Aussie research has found that knocking back just one artificially sweetened soft drink a day, like Diet Coke, Pepsi Max or Zero Sugar Solo, may increase your risk of developing type 2 diabetes by a staggering 38 per cent. ​​​​Surprisingly, that's an even higher risk than those opting for classic full-sugar options, which were linked to a 23 per cent rise. Professor Barbora de Courten, senior author on the study, told that the findings signal a need to rethink current public health strategies. 'It might be time to broaden the policy discussion not just about taxing sugar, but about reducing population-level intake of all harmful beverages, regardless of whether they're sweetened with sugar or synthetic alternatives,' said Professor de Courten, who is also a specialist physician at the Department of Diabetes & Vascular Medicine. Sugar, artificial beverages, and type 2 diabetes ​​​​The longitudinal study, conducted by a team from Monash University, RMIT University and the Cancer Council Victoria, followed more than 36,000 Australian adults over nearly 14 years. ​​​ ​​​​'Drinking one or more of these beverages each day – whether sweetened with sugar or artificial substitutes – was linked to a significantly higher chance of developing type 2 diabetes,' said Mr Hussen Kabthymer, who was involved in the study. ​​​ Professor de Courten said the findings challenge the common belief that artificially sweetened drinks are a better option. ​​​​'Artificial sweeteners are often recommended to people at risk of diabetes as a healthier alternative, but our results suggest they may pose their own health risks,' she said. ​​​ While the connection between sugary drinks and diabetes could mostly be explained by obesity, the connection between diet soft drinks and type 2 diabetes stayed strong even after factoring in body weight, suggesting that these drinks might directly affect how our metabolism works. ​​​​The study, which involved participants aged 40–69 years, also adjusted for other lifestyle factors such as diet, exercise, education, and health history. ​​​ What is type 2 diabetes? Type 2 diabetes impacts about 1.3 million Australians and over 500 million people globally, with most cases related to diet and lifestyle. It is a chronic condition where the body either can't properly use insulin or doesn't produce enough of it, causing blood sugar levels to rise. According to Diabetes Australia, it usually develops in adults over 45, but is increasingly occurring in younger age groups. Over time, uncontrolled type 2 diabetes can damage the eyes, kidneys, nerves and heart, and lead to serious complications like kidney failure, vision loss and heart disease.
