Gilmour Space Technologies has been granted the first orbital launch facility licence in Australia, for use with its Bowen Orbital Spaceport in northern Queensland.
The Spaceport is located within the Abbot Point State Development Area, from which Gilmour Space aims to offer commercial orbital launch services to low-Earth orbit.
The licence, granted by Minister for Industry and Science (and Minister in charge of the Australian Space Agency), Ed Husic, has been issued under the federal Space (Launches & Returns) Act 2018.
Approval has also been secured from the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water.
“Australia now has its own ‘road’ to space,” said Gilmour Space co-founder and CEO, Adam Gilmour. “The ability to launch our own satellites, on launch vehicles that we own and control, to key orbits in space from Australia, will be a significant capability for our global customers, as well as for our nation and allies.”
James Gilmour, co-founder and Head of Launch Operations, said the milestone has come after two years of dedicate work, which included engaging with Juru traditional owners and other stakeholders at the local, state and federal levels.
“We’ve seen these efforts lead to diversified business opportunities, jobs, and investment in Bowen and greater Whitsunday region; and it will be exciting to see ‘rocket tourism’ emerging to support the local economy,” he said.
The Spaceport received grant funding from the Australian Government as part of its Modern Manufacturing Strategy, and is co-funded by the Queensland Government and Gilmour Space.
The first launch of Gilmour’s Eris rocket is expected to take place within the coming months, subject to approval of a launch permit by the Australian Space Agency.
