Australian launch company Gilmour Space Technologies has secured A$217 million (US$145 million) in a Series E funding round to accelerate the expansion of Australia’s domestic launch and satellite capability, lifting the company’s valuation above A$1 billion.
The round was jointly led by the National Reconstruction Fund Corporation (NRFC) and Hostplus, with participation from Future Fund, Blackbird, Funds SA, HESTA, NGS Super, Main Sequence, QIC and Brighter Super. The investment reflects growing institutional confidence in the strategic importance of Australia’s sovereign space infrastructure and advanced manufacturing base.
Founded on the Gold Coast, Gilmour Space is developing an end-to-end Australian space capability spanning rocket and satellite design, manufacturing, testing and launch. The company is one of the few globally pursuing both launch vehicles and satellite platforms under a single, vertically integrated model.
Co-founder and CEO Adam Gilmour said the investment validates both the company’s progress and Australia’s ability to build and operate critical space infrastructure domestically. He said the company’s focus is now on delivering reliable, regular access to space for customers in Australia and international markets.
Gilmour Space has achieved several national firsts, including Australia’s first sovereign orbital launch attempt from domestic soil, the successful on-orbit operation of its 100-kilogram ElaraSat satellite platform, and the establishment of Bowen Orbital Spaceport in North Queensland, Australia’s first licensed commercial orbital launch facility.
Proceeds from the Series E round will be used to complete development and qualification of the Eris orbital launch vehicle, scale rocket and satellite manufacturing, expand test and launch infrastructure, and grow the company’s workforce to meet increasing global demand for launch services.
The investment aligns with broader government priorities around national resilience and industrial capability. NRFC CEO David Gall said access to space underpins critical services including communications, navigation, climate monitoring, disaster response and national security, and that Gilmour Space’s growth will strengthen Australia’s advanced manufacturing base while creating highly skilled regional jobs.
Hostplus chief investment officer Sam Sicilia said the investment reflects a long-term view on the economic and strategic value of sovereign space capability, positioning the company for its next phase of operational and technological growth.
Gilmour Space currently employs more than 220 staff, works closely with Australian universities and research organisations, and engages hundreds of domestic suppliers, supporting the development of a resilient local supply chain and long-term sovereign space capability.
