First rocket launch from Australia in 50 years: Eris fell after 14 seconds.

Australian company Gilmour Space conducted the first launch of its rocket Eris from the new Bowen Orbital Spaceport in Queensland, reports Space. The launch took place at 8:35 AM local time, but the triumph was short-lived – just 14 seconds after liftoff, the rocket deviated from its vertical trajectory and fell back to Earth.

However, a complete success in the first launch is a rare occurrence, and therefore no one expected it.

'The lift-off from the launch pad and transition to flight is a tremendous breakthrough for any new rocket program.'

No injuries or negative environmental impacts have been reported as a result of the incident.

Preparation for Launch

Preparation for the launch lasted several months and was postponed multiple times. Initially, the launch was scheduled for March, but was thwarted by tropical cyclone Alfred. In May, the launch had to be canceled again due to a technical malfunction: on May 15, the rocket's fairing unexpectedly opened right on the launch pad. As engineers later explained, the cause was a sudden electrical surge. The next attempt in June also did not take place due to strong winds in the area of the spaceport. After several delays, the launch was finally carried out, despite the unsuccessful result.

This launch was the first orbital launch from Australian territory in over half a century. The last similar incident occurred in October 1971, when the British rocket Black Arrow placed the satellite Prospero into orbit.

The first launch of the Eris rocket by Gilmour Space ended unsuccessfully due to a trajectory deviation, but the company took an important step in testing its systems and preparing for future launches.