What happens when a rocket launch meant to put Australia on the space map ends in a puff of smoke? Well, that’s exactly what transpired when the much-anticipated Eris rocket made its brief, albeit dramatic, ascent and then fell back to the earth in a plummet of disappointment.

The Eris rocket, a product of Gold Coast’s very own Gilmour Space, lifted off from the Bowen orbital spaceport in north Queensland, capturing the attention of space enthusiasts everywhere. After months of waiting for the perfect conditions, the moment finally arrived on a Wednesday morning. But the joy of liftoff was fleeting.

YouTuber Josh Keegan, better known as Aussienaut, was among those watching eagerly from the nearby hills, streaming the event live for his followers. “OK, we’re going, we’re going, it’s going!” Keegan exclaimed with palpable excitement as the rocket launched. However, mere moments later, his excitement turned to dismay. “It’s gone, it’s gone… Oh no, it didn’t go, there wasn’t sufficient thrust to actually keep it up,” he lamented as the rocket succumbed to the force of gravity.

The 23-metre-long, 30-tonne Eris rocket was a pivotal step for Australia’s burgeoning space industry. Despite its brief flight of just 14 seconds, Gilmour Space and its supporters remain optimistic. The company quickly released a statement emphasizing that this maiden flight, though it ended in smoke, brought Australia a step closer to joining the elite group of nations that can launch spacecraft into orbit.

“For a maiden test flight, especially after an extended 18-month wait on the pad for final approvals, this is a strong result and a major step forward for Australia’s sovereign space capability,” the statement read. It’s this very sentiment that highlights the resilience and ambition of the Australian space sector.

CEO Adam Gilmour took to social media to express his relief and optimism following the launch attempt. “Got off the Pad, I am happy,” he shared, also acknowledging the desire for more flight time, but emphasizing the importance of the progress made.

In the aftermath of the launch, the Eris rocket was filled with sensors that will provide vital data for future missions, an essential next step in refining their approach. The One Giant Leap Australia Foundation, which aims to inspire and develop the future workforce of the space industry, took to social media to congratulate Gilmour Space on their efforts. “The only way to learn is to fail forward,” they stated. “We know more today than we did yesterday.”

Despite earlier attempts to launch being thwarted by high winds and a previous setback in May, the Australian government’s recent $5 million investment into Gilmour's Eris launch vehicle indicates a commitment to supporting this promising field. As the Australian space industry continues to forge ahead, the lessons learned from this launch will no doubt serve as valuable stepping stones for future endeavors.