Rocket pads Gilmour Space and Southern Launch get ready for lift off
Gilmour Space and Southern launch gear up for Rocket Launches
As Australia positions itself to become a regional space hub, two companies are preparing to launch rockets from different sides of the country. Gilmour Space on the east coast at the Abbot Point State Development Area in North Queensland and Southern Launch at the Whalers Way complex near the southern tip of South Australia, are ramping up for their first commercial launches.
Gilmour's first launch window opens on July 12 and it will see the Eris rocket carry a payload of three satellites into orbit. Southern Launch is preparing for the first launch of its Kodiak rocket from Whalers Way between September 15 and October 15.
The Eris rocket is a two-stage vehicle that will carry three satellites into orbit, including the first Australian designed and built commercial satellite, the M2 Pathfinder.
Growing Australia's Space Industry
The launch of these rockets is a significant milestone for the Australian space industry and the Asia-Pacific region. Australia has a long history of space exploration, dating back to the 1960s, but it has never had its own commercial launch capability.
The development of a domestic launch capability will give Australia the ability to launch its own satellites into orbit, which will support a range of applications including telecommunications, earth observation, and scientific research. It will also create new jobs and economic opportunities in the space sector.
Gilmour Space and Southern Launch
Gilmour Space and Southern Launch are two of the leading companies in the Australian space industry. Gilmour Space was founded in 2012 and is developing a family of rockets, including the Eris, which is designed to launch small satellites into orbit.
Southern Launch was founded in 2015 and is developing the Kodiak rocket, which is designed to launch medium-sized satellites into orbit. The company has already signed a number of contracts with commercial satellite operators.
The Future of the Australian Space Industry
The launch of Gilmour Space and Southern Launch's rockets is a major step forward for the Australian space industry. With several other companies also developing launch vehicles, Australia is well on its way to becoming a major player in the global space market.
The development of a domestic launch capability will give Australia the ability to launch its own satellites into orbit, which will support a range of applications including telecommunications, earth observation, and scientific research. It will also create new jobs and economic opportunities in the space sector.
