The company behind an Australian-made orbital rocket is planning another launch attempt within months after yesterday’s brief lift-off on debut.<\/p>\n
The 23-metre orbital rocket flew for about 14 seconds before crashing at its launch pad near Bowen, 1,000 kilometres north of Brisbane.<\/p>\n
Despite its brevity the launch attempt has been hailed as a major step towards Australia’s participation in the space industry.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Gilmour Space said the rocket was airborne for 14 seconds. (Supplied: Gilmour Space Technologies)<\/p>\n
Gilmour Space Technologies CEO Adam Gilmour said it appeared engine failure was to blame for the rocket’s crash.<\/p>\n
But plans are already underway to launch another orbital rocket.<\/p>\n
“In the next few months we’ve got to get the second rocket done, bring it here and launch it,” he said.<\/p>\n
Space watchers at the attempted Bowen rocket launch. (ABC News: Baz Ruddick)<\/p>\n
Mr Gilmour said he hoped the next rocket would go into orbit, and the next after that would take up a commercial satellite.<\/p>\n
“We want to get up four rockets a year and then eventually more than 12 rockets a year,” he said.<\/p>\n
Failure a pathway to success<\/p>\n
Space industry experts said yesterday’s fizzled lift-off should be seen as a major advance.<\/p>\n
Gilmour Space Technologies is backed by private venture capital and received $5 million from the Australian government towards the launch of the Eris launch vehicle \u2014 described as the nation’s first commercial orbital rocket.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
People flocked to Flagstaff Hill near Bowen to try and get a glimpse of the rocket. (ABC News: Baz Ruddick)<\/p>\n
Paulo De Souza, an executive dean of engineering at Edith Cowan University who has worked with NASA, said the launch attempt was a major achievement.<\/p>\n
“It’s rocket science. It’s not easy,” he said.<\/p>\n
“It’s almost impossible to get it right the first time.<\/p>\n
“I’m sure the team has collected a lot of data to help it understand what it could have done better.”<\/p>\n
He said investors in Gilmour would be well aware of just how difficult the process was.<\/p>\n
“They understand that it is a risky endeavour. Failure is part of the business \u2026 until you get it right.”<\/p>\n
Success follows failure<\/p>\n
The rocket launch pad near Bowen. (Supplied: Gilmour Space Technologies)<\/p>\n
University of Southern Queensland astrophysicist Jonti Horner said it was the best first launch attempt he had seen.<\/p>\n
“Every organisation that has launched rockets to space has built success off the back of explosive failures”<\/p>\n
Professor Horner said more than one company was looking to build capacity for space flight in northern Australia.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Astrophysicist Jonto Horner says the attempted launch is a major achievement. (Supplied: USQ)<\/p>\n
“If you’re closer to the equator you get a lot of help from the earth’s spin. It makes it easier to get into orbit,” he said.<\/p>\n
Professor Horner said it was feasible to expect a satellite would be launched from Australia within five years.<\/p>\n
Major boon for Bowen<\/p>\n
Alistair Sawers came to watch the rocket launch attempt on Wednesday. (ABC News: Baz Ruddick)<\/p>\n
The attempted launch proved a boost to tourism with people flocking to the town to see the rocket.<\/p>\n
Alistair Sawers pulled his two kids out of school for the morning to come and watch the historic launch attempt.<\/p>\n
He said the company had made a brave attempt.<\/p>\n
“Look, at least they gave it a go. Hopefully they give it another go,” he said.<\/p>\n
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