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The Advertiser
30-07-2025
- Business
- 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.
The Guardian
30-07-2025
- Climate
- The Guardian
Tsunami alerts across Pacific; inflation drops; and Australian rocket goes out with a bang
Good afternoon. A powerful 8.8-magnitude earthquake, one of the strongest ever recorded, has triggered a series of tsunami warnings and evacuation orders stretching across Japan, the US west coast and parts of the Pacific. The shallow quake hit near Russia's Kamchatka peninsula on Wednesday, with reports of waves up to 4 metres high in the remote region. Japan issued evacuation warnings and the country's weather agency said the first waves measuring 30cm had reached the eastern coast of Hokkaido. In the US, tsunami waves had hit the state of Hawaii, the Pacific Tsunami Warning Center (PTWC) said, warning that urgent action should be taken to protect lives and property. A tsunami warning was also issued for parts of the Alaska Aleutian Islands, and a watch for portions of the US west coast. The PTWC included Australia in its advisory, saying waves of 0.3 to 1 metre were possible along the coast, though the Bureau of Meteorology says there is currently no tsunami threat. Follow the latest updates on our live blog. 'Moral momentum': Ed Husic says Australia should immediately join UK in preparing to recognise Palestinian state Victorian Liberal deputy Sam Groth and wife threaten defamation and privacy action over News Corp stories Kristian White avoids prison for manslaughter of Clare Nowland, 95, after prosecutors lose appeal Trump says Epstein 'stole' Virginia Giuffre from Mar-a-Lago staff role Advocates criticise 'dangerous' NT plan to reintroduce spit hoods in youth detention centres Thailand accuses Cambodia of violating fragile ceasefire for a second time After months of waiting for the right conditions, an Australian-designed and made orbital rocket launched from a spaceport in north Queensland. Built by the Gold Coast-based Gilmour Space, the Eris rocket lasted 14 seconds before crashing in a giant plume of smoke – but the operators say they are happy with the launch attempt. 'We're not here to sledge the Wiggles. My government is pro-Wiggles.' – Anthony Albanese The prime minister dodged a political Hot Potato after the communications minister, Anika Wells, said the Wiggles had approached the government to argue for YouTube to be exempt from the under-16 ban. Wells stressed it was the Wiggles' management – the 'black skivvy', or 'Big Wiggle' – who made the appeal, not the performers themselves. She said they told her that YouTube was a video platform, not a social media platform – though the government was ultimately not won over. Reader callout: With YouTube now included in Australia's under-16 social media ban, we want to know: how do your children use YouTube and what impact has it had on them? Inflation dropped to 2.1% in the year to June, down from 2.4% in the year to March. Jim Chalmers called the figures 'stunning' and 'very encouraging news' but won't predict whether it'll result in a rate cut at the next Reserve Bank of Australia board meeting. There are still plenty of signs of cost-of-living pressures, even if the trajectory is a positive one – rents were up 4.6% versus a year ago (from 5.5% in March), electricity 8.1% and insurance 3.9%. Sign up to Afternoon Update Our Australian afternoon update breaks down the key stories of the day, telling you what's happening and why it matters after newsletter promotion By the 30s, Katharine Hepburn was box office poison. Then she made The Philadelphia Story As a stuck-up socialite tangled in a love triangle, Hepburn delivers one of the most memorable screwball heroines – and we can't help but love her for it, writes Jamie Tram. Today's starter word is: MART. You have five goes to get the longest word including the starter word. Play Wordiply. Enjoying the Afternoon Update? Then you'll love our Morning Mail newsletter. Sign up here to start the day with a curated breakdown of the key stories you need to know, and complete your daily news roundup. And follow the latest in US politics by signing up for This Week in Trumpland. If you have a story tip or technical issue viewing this newsletter, please reply to this email. If you are a Guardian supporter and need assistance with regards to contributions and/or digital subscriptions, please email
1News
30-07-2025
- Science
- 1News
History made as Australia launches rocket — then crashes
An Australian-made rocket has made history by launching from home soil for the first time — before crashing seconds later. Gilmour Space Technologies has hailed their rocket's 14 second flight in far north Queensland a success, calling it a "major step forward". The 23m, 35 tonne orbital rocket named Eris, took off from a spaceport at Bowen on Wednesday morning. It left the launch pad into the air shortly after 8.30am with plumes of smoke erupting from underneath the rocket before hovering in the air briefly and crashing into the ground nearby. ADVERTISEMENT The Gold Coast-based Gilmour Space Technologies confirmed Eris became the first rocket to lift off from Australian soil, achieving 14 seconds of flight. "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," it said on Facebook. "Most importantly, the team is safe and energised for Test Flight 2. "Only six nations launch to orbit regularly — and just a handful are working to join them. Today brings Australia closer to that club." New Zealand joined the list of nations with orbital launch capability in January, 2018. Gilmour Space Technologies confirmed the ignition of all four rocket engines with 23 seconds of engine burn time. It said the rocket cleared the tower after lift-off from the spaceport, before crashing. Early indications also suggested the launch site infrastructure remained intact. ADVERTISEMENT The company previously said it would deem the launch a success if the rocket left the ground. "It's almost unheard of for a private rocket company to launch successfully to orbit the first time," chief executive Adam Gilmour said in February. "Whether we make it off the pad, reach max Q, or get all the way to space, what's important is that every second of flight will deliver valuable data that will improve our rocket's reliability and performance for future launches." The launch has previously been delayed on multiple occasions this year due to weather conditions and technical issues. It was set to take off on Tuesday afternoon and was 10 minutes out from launching, but was forced to halt proceedings due to the high winds that were "above the safety commit limits set by regulators". Gilmour Space Technologies was recently awarded a $5 million (NZ$5.4 million) grant from the federal government to assist with the launch after receiving $52 million (NZ$56.7 million) in Commonwealth funding to lead a space manufacturing network in Australia.
The Guardian
30-07-2025
- Science
- The Guardian
‘We have a cloud, and that's the end': first Australian-made orbital rocket crashes shortly after takeoff
The spaceship hovered for less than a minute before crashing in a giant plume of smoke, but it was history-making nonetheless – the attempted launch of an orbital rocket designed and made in Australia. The Eris rocket was built by Gold Coast-based Gilmour Space and briefly blasted off from the Bowen orbital spaceport in north Queensland on Wednesday morning, after months of waiting for the right conditions. The orbit attempt was watched on from the surrounding hills by enthusiasts and streamed live by the likes of YouTuber Josh Keegan, also known as Aussienaut. Sign up: AU Breaking News email 'OK we're going, we're going, it's going!' Keegan said with breathless excitement after a second day of patient watching – but the celebrations did not last long. 'It's gone, it's gone,' Keegan said seconds later. 'Oh no, it didn't go, there wasn't sufficient thrust to actually keep it up. 'I believe that's the end of the Eris rocket. We have a cloud, and that's the end.' But while the billow of smoke may have marked the end of Eris, Gilmour and the nascent Australian space industry hope this failed orbit attempt will prove just a beginning. Gilmour Space issued a statement shortly afterwards saying Eris's 14 seconds of flight brought Australia closer to the club of six nations who regularly launch spacecraft to orbit. '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 statement read. 'Most importantly, the team is safe and energised for Test Flight 2.' The company's CEO, Adam Gilmour, posted on social media that he was happy with the launch attempt. 'Got off the Pad, I am happy,' he wrote. 'Of course I would have liked more flight time but happy with this.' Sign up to Breaking News Australia Get the most important news as it breaks after newsletter promotion The 23-metre-long, 30-tonne rocket was covered in sensors from which the Queensland company will hope to glean information to assist future launch attempts. One Giant Leap Australia Foundation, which develops education programs geared toward growing a future workforce in the space industry, was among those to congratulate Gilmour Space for a 'sterling effort'. 'The only way to learn is to fail forward,' it posted on social media. 'We know more today than we did yesterday.' Gilmour Space was poised to launch on Tuesday but winds were too strong. It had also sought to launch in May but did not. The company received $5m from the Australian government for its Eris launch vehicle last week to develop its next-generation liquid rocket engine.
The Guardian
30-07-2025
- Science
- The Guardian
Australian-made orbital rocket crashes after launch in Queensland
After months of waiting for the right conditions, an Australian-designed and made orbital rocket launched from the shores of tropical north Queensland. Built by the Gold Coast-based Gilmour Space, the Eris rocket briefly blasted off from the Bowen Orbital Spaceport on Wednesday morning, hovering for less than a minute before crashing in a giant plume of smoke
