Australia’s First Domestic Rocket Explodes Seconds After Launch

Australia's first domestically-built rocket, Eris, launched by Gilmour Space Technologies, exploded just seconds after liftoff during its maiden flight from the Bowen Orbital Spaceport in northern Queensland. Despite the rocket only flying for 14 seconds before deviating from its trajectory and crashing, this marked the first orbital launch attempt from Australian soil in over 50 years and was considered a significant milestone for the country's emerging space industry. The 23-meter rocket, designed to carry small satellites into low Earth orbit, had previously faced multiple launch delays due to weather and technical issues. Gilmour Space CEO Adam Gilmour described the launch as a success given it was the first test of all rocket systems and the spaceport infrastructure, emphasizing that a flawless first launch is rare in rocket programs. No injuries or environmental damage were reported, and local officials highlighted the event as an important step toward developing a commercial space industry in the region. An investigation is underway to determine the cause of the malfunction and its implications for future launches.