10 years to make an arrow, Australia plans to launch the first domestically produced rocket today!

But they are not holding out too much hope. The executive said that if it can fly "I will have a heart attack!"

Agence France-Presse published an article on May 15, 2025.

An Australian company said it plans to conduct the first orbital test launch of a locally developed rocket this Thursday, which will carry a can of Vegemite as payload.

If successful, this will be the first rocket made in Australia to perform an orbital launch within Australia.

CEO Adam Gilmore told AFP on Wednesday that after receiving approval from the Australian Space Agency, if weather permits, it is expected to take off within a few days starting today.

But he currently does not hold too much hope.

Gilmore said, "If it really can fly, I might have a heart attack because I would be very surprised, but also very happy."

"Look, if it can leave the launch pad, we will be very happy; if it can fly for 10, 20, or 30 seconds, that would be great."

This 23-meter-long vehicle - designed to launch small satellites into low Earth orbit.

Its fully fueled weight is 30 tons and it relies on a "rather unique" hybrid propulsion system that uses solid inert fuel and liquid oxidizer to provide oxygen for combustion.

The payload for the test flight is a can of Vegemite, a popular Australian toast topping.

The company has conducted about 10 years of research, supported by private investors including venture capital group Blackbird and pension fund hesa.

"This is the first time an Australian company has completed design and manufacturing, so we have done everything ourselves."

The company has 230 employees and hopes to begin commercial launches by late 2026 or early 2027, then quickly increase revenue.

"Our goal is the small satellite business."

"There are thousands of satellites that need to be launched into low orbits, and there are not enough rockets. The signs are clear, so we must act quickly."

Good luck to them!

Original source: https://www.toutiao.com/article/1832135855688836/

Disclaimer: This article only represents the views of the author.