Bowen Orbital Spaceport, built and operated by Gilmour Space Technologies, has been granted an orbital launch facility licence under the Space (Launches & Returns) Act 2018.
Located within the Abbot Point State Development Area in north Queensland, the spaceport offers commercial orbital launch services – including satellite platforms and dedicated/rideshare launches – to Low Earth Orbits.
“Australia now has its own ‘road’ to space,” said Gilmour Space Co-founder and CEO, Adam Gilmour.
“The ability to launch our own satellites, on launch vehicles that we own and control, to key orbits in space from Australia, will be a significant capability for our global customers, as well as for our nation and allies.”
The Bowen Orbital Spaceport received grant funding from the Australian Government as part of the Modern Manufacturing Strategy and is co-funded by the Queensland Government and Gilmour Space.
The Queensland-based company has also secured approval from the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water, enabling the operation of the spaceport at Abbot Point.
“It’s been two years since we started the project, engaging with the Juru traditional owners and other stakeholders at the local, state and federal levels," said James Gilmour, Co-founder and Head of Launch Operations at Gilmour Space.
"We've seen these efforts lead to diversified business opportunities, jobs, and investment in Bowen and greater Whitsunday region; and it will be exciting to see ‘rocket tourism' emerging to support the local economy."
Eris TestFlight 1 is targeted to launch in the coming months, pending approval of the launch permit by the Australian Space Agency.