Australia’s first ever privately funded rocket gets green light to launch from Bowen

The country’s first ever privately funded rocket has been given the green light to launch from Bowen.

Where’s Bowen? It’s in north Queensland – the same town featured in the film Australia starring Hugh Jackman and Nicole Kidman. Bowen is also known for having a notably large mango – definitely bigger than a typical one. I even have a picture with that mango, and at six foot tall, I can tell you it really does look impressive compared to a regular mango.

Back to the rocket: it’s been years in the making, with Gilmour Space Technologies finally managing to jump through all the hoops and red tape to get this thing airborne. The government body that controls air traffic has given them the green light to launch after March 15.

The rocket itself stands 25 metres tall. It won’t be carrying any people, as it is designed to deliver satellites into space. It’s similar to what the Kiwis have been doing across the ditch for some years now, so it’s good to see Australia is catching up.

This is just a test flight, though. The company’s founder noted that it’s almost unheard of for a private rocket company to get it right on the first try. It’s not the first time Australia has been to space; back in the 1970s, an English-made rocket was launched from South Australia. However, this one is entirely Australian made.