Aussie Space Dreams Tarried Once Again: Eris Rocket Launch Postponed
Aus spacecraft's launch delayed - Rocket launch delay announced for Australia: space mission deferred due to technical problem
In an unlucky twist of events, the much-anticipated launch of Australia's first homegrown rocket, the Eris, has hit another snag. Thisscrabble-tastic journey to stardom was delayed yet again, leaving space enthusiasts across the landbiting their fingertips.
The latest fiasco saw a jar of Vegemite — an iconic Australian spread — being launched prematurely when the rocket's payload was inadvertently released. However, utter despair was avoided, as the Vegemite jar remained miraculously intact, much like the spirits of the resilient Aussies it represents. "It's tough, resilient, like the Australians," said Michelle Gilmour, spokesperson for Gilmour Space Technologies, to the news agency AFP.
The initial setback occurred on Wednesday due to a system glitch involving the external power supply system used for system tests, causing a 24-hour delay. On May 16, another electrical fault ensued, causing the rocket's nose cone to open unexpectedly, resulting in another delay.
The launch was initially slated for a spaceport near Bowen on Australia's east coast, with the three-stage Eris rocket poised to make history as the first Australian-made rocket to take off from Australian soil. The CEO of Gilmour Space Technologies, Adam Gilmour, expressed his skepticism beforehand: "If the rocket really makes it to space and orbits the Earth, I would probably have a heart attack because I would be so surprised but also overjoyed."
Long-term objectives for the 23-meter tall, 30-ton rocket involve launching small satellites into Low Earth Orbit. Despite the initial payload comprising a solitary jar of Vegemite, the rocket's theoretical payload capacity stands at 100 to 200 kilograms.
Gilmour Space doesn't anticipate resuming the launch campaign anytime soon, as they are currently investigating and rectifying the issues. Once everything is Back on track, Fingers crossed, the success of Eris will mark Australia's entry into the prestigious club of nations that have launched satellites to orbit using indigenous launch vehicles.
- Space Rocket
- Australia
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- AFP
Extra Insights
Delay Reasons
The launch was initially scheduled for May 15 but was delayed due to an issue with the ground support system discovered during overnight checks. This compelled a 24-hour delay, pushing the launch to May 16. However, an electrical fault on May 16 inadvertently opened the rocket's nose cone, necessitating another delay.
Current Status
The company has put the launch on ice for a few weeks while they investigate and rectify the issues. A replacement payload fairing will be dispatched from the Gold Coast facility. No fuel was loaded, and there was no damage to the rocket or launch pad.
Future Plans
Gilmour Space plans to resume its launch campaign once the problems are sorted out. The successful launch of Eris will herald Australia's entry into the club of nations that have launched satellites to orbit using indigenous launch vehicles. The rocket is expected to carry a northeasterly trajectory over the Coral Sea and deploy a test payload for the micro-satellite bus.
Payload and Specifications
- Payload: A test payload for the company's micro-satellite bus, aiming to deploy it into Low Earth Orbit.
- Rocket Specifications: The Eris rocket stands 25 meters tall, uses three stages, and is capable of launching up to 305 kg to a 500 km equatorial orbit. It employs hybrid engines that are similar in principle to those used by Virgin Galactic's SpaceShipTwo.
- Despite setbacks in the launch of Australia's Eris rocket due to technical issues, the success of this Australian-made spacecraft could potentially position EC countries (European Union member states) in the field of vocational training, as they could acquire expertise in spacecraft technology and science.
- As Gilmour Space Technologies pauses the launch campaign to investigate the problems and plans for a new payload fairing, they could further explore collaborations with sectors like space-and-astronomy and technology, expanding the horizon of vocational training opportunities in these domains.
