Gilmour Space says it has concluded its investigation into the maiden flight of Australia’s first orbital rocket, Eris TestFlight1.
The company said Eris TestFlight1 lifted off from the Bowen Orbital Spaceport on 30 July 2025, before experiencing an in-flight anomaly that resulted in the vehicle being lost within the designated safety area.
According to Gilmour Space, the investigation found that about nine seconds after ignition, one of the four first-stage hybrid rocket motors experienced a loss of thrust. The company said a second motor showed similar behaviour at around 17 seconds, reducing vehicle performance and ending the mission early.
Gilmour Space said analysis identified two independent failure modes originating from the oxidiser pump subsystem. It said electrical and thermal faults were observed in the electric pump motors and associated inverters, including components sourced from an external supplier.
The company said it is evaluating and implementing design, qualification and process improvements based on the investigation’s findings.
Gilmour Space said data from the flight is being used to update vehicle design and operations as it prepares for its next planned missions later this year.
A final report has been submitted to the Australian Space Agency in coordination with the Office of the Space Regulator, the company said.
