Rocketing onwards

It’s all systems go for brothers’ space plans

TWO brothers’ dream of sending a Gold Coast rocket into space within two years is another step closer to reality.

Adam and James Gilmour, bosses of the Yatalabased Gilmour Space Technologies, have conducted two tests of its first fullscale orbital engine.

The tests, which went to plan, sets the stage for the launch of the first commercial-class rockets into suborbital space by 2019, and low Earth orbit by 2020.

Company chief executive and founder Adam Gilmour said his team was targeting a suborbital test rocket launch from Australia in the second quarter of this year.

“We conducted two successful engine tests in December, one of which was a low-pressure test-fire that generated 45 kilonewtons, which is more than 10,100 pounds-force of thrust.

“This is significantly more thrust than some of our small

satellite launch competitors’ main engines, and we expect to do much better in our fullpressure and full-duration test firings later this month.”

In November, the company completed tests of a high-thrust “interplanetary” system, which could be used to power cube-sized satellites or spacecraft into the orbit of the Moon or Mars.

“These are big achievements in hybrid rocket technology and a big leap for Australia’s New Space industry,” Mr Gilmore said.

Picture: SCOTT FLETCHER Gilmour Space Technologies’ Adam Gilmour said the company had successfully completed its first full-scale orbital engine tests.