video screenshot

 

The first-ever orbital rocket crafted on Australian soil met a fiery end just 14 seconds into its inaugural flight. Launched by Gilmour Space Technologies, the Eris rocket initially soared at the Bowen Orbital Spaceport in North Queensland before suddenly plummeting, leaving spectators in shock.

 

Vivid footage captured the rocket's ascent before it lost momentum and spiralled downward, enveloping the site in thick plumes of white smoke. Despite the setback, Gilmour Space Technologies hailed the attempt as a step forward for Australia's burgeoning space industry.

 

The firm reassured the public with a statement confirming that no injuries occurred during the incident. Plans for a second launch remain on track, expected to take place within six to eight months, marking Australia’s determined steps towards establishing a robust space capability.

 

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from BBC 2025-07-31

 

 

I guess Trump will be blamed.

21 hours ago, webfact said:

The firm reassured the public with a statement confirming that no injuries occurred during the incident.

 

That's great.  But what happens next time when they do get one into orbit and then it fails and starts careening off the thousands of satellites that are already up there? 

 

I'm kinda partial to GPS and GLONASS and worldwide communication.

Strewth!

Can't you hear can't hear the thunder....you better run you better take cover.

19 minutes ago, thaipo7 said:

I guess Trump will be blamed.

 

He's got an alibi.  He was too busy causing a Russkie earthquake and tsunami.

 

Gotta start somewhere. Oz is about the best place to do it.

Will say nothing different than what those would say if this was about Thailand’s failed attempt.

21 hours ago, webfact said:

The first-ever orbital rocket crafted on Australian soil met a fiery end just 14 seconds into its inaugural flight.

Good on the Australians making a bid to get into the rocket launch game.  Not like NASA and Space-X didn't have failures along the way, sometimes deadly.  Hopefully they regroup and try again.

Aim for the stars lads!!

Knew it, the Aussies can't get it up.

21 minutes ago, expat_4_life said:

Good on the Australians making a bid to get into the rocket launch game.  Not like NASA and Space-X didn't have failures along the way, sometimes deadly.  Hopefully they regroup and try again.

Aim for the stars lads!!

True!  Look at how many rocket failures elon Musk had:

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p9FzWPObsWA

 

Science is all about learning from one's mistakes, so definitely try again!

22 hours ago, webfact said:

Australian Rocket Deflates:

 

30 minutes ago, Jeff the Chef said:

Knew it, the Aussies can't get it up.

A blowup toy doll rocket.

1 hour ago, impulse said:

 

That's great.  But what happens next time when they do get one into orbit and then it fails and starts careening off the thousands of satellites that are already up there? 

 

I'm kinda partial to GPS and GLONASS and worldwide communication.

Did you say the same thing about Chinese, Nth Korea, US, including Elon's failures...yes I know, there are many more, but I hope most understand my point 

Put another shrimp on the barbie !

6 minutes ago, Aussie999 said:

Did you say the same thing about Chinese, Nth Korea, US, including Elon's failures...yes I know, there are many more, but I hope most understand my point 

 

Yeah, in fact I have. Back when the space was wide open, experimentation didn't have the same consequences that it has today.

 

Were the engineers Australian?

...How Much Did It Cost The Aussie Taxpayers (?)...

 

Mate, I'd like to remind you those countries/organisations are still firing off rockets, some of which still malfunction...so again, why only mention Australia...

Strewth Bruce! More than a few sheilas in the crowd concerned they couldn't get it up.

By jingo!

10 hours ago, SOTIRIOS said:

...How Much Did It Cost The Aussie Taxpayers (?)...

 

 

Private company (although maybe grants from the Aussie government?)

Better luck next time I’m sure they will achieve success good luck and glad no one was hurt 

13 hours ago, johng said:

Put another shrimp on the barbie !

Very sophisticated reply 

Good for Australia to get their own space program going. All of the world wants to use satellites for communication

so I hope this is only the beginning for Australia.

On 7/31/2025 at 11:09 AM, webfact said:

public with a statement confirming that no injuries occurred during the incident

Gawd, what about the weirdos, the woke people, they'll be complaining about the animals that were killed, the koalas, kangaroos, wombats etc. 

 

How many animals had to suffer in the making of this video?😔

14 seconds from boom to boomerang