The Eris small launch vehicle developed by Gilmour Space ahead of its first launch. Credit: Gilmour Space

Australia could see the launch next month of the first rocket designed and built in Australia. Gilmour Space Technologies announced a launch window starting no earlier than March 15 for the debut flight of Eris, the first Australian-designed and built rocket aiming for orbit.

The news follows final airspace approvals from the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) and Airservices Australia, clearing the last regulatory hurdle before launch.

Gilmour Space made history in March last year when its Bowen spaceport was granted the first orbital launch facility licence in Australia, and when it secured the country’s first Australian Launch Permit for Eris TestFlight 1 in November. Now, with airspace arrangements finalized and mandatory notice given to the Australian Space Agency, the company is preparing for liftoff.

“This will be the first attempt of an Australian rocket to reach orbit from Australian soil. Safety is always the top priority. We’ll only launch when we’re ready, and when conditions are appropriate. Whatever happens next, know that you’ve already made history — we now build rockets in Australia. And this is only the beginning,” Adam Gilmour, co-founder and CEO, Gilmour Space, said in a statement.

Gilmour Space is backed by private investors including Blackbird, Main Sequence, Fine Structure Ventures, Queensland Investment Corporation, and superannuation funds like HESTA and Hostplus.