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Gilmour Space Technologies develops low-cost hybrid launch vehicles for small satellites.
Gilmour Space Technologies has raised $372.0M across 7 funding rounds.
Key people at Gilmour Space Technologies.
Gilmour Space Technologies has raised $372.0M in total across 7 funding rounds.
Gilmour Space Technologies is an Australian aerospace company that develops and launches low-cost rockets and satellites. The company's core offering includes Eris orbital rockets, which leverage hybrid-propellant rocket engines for efficient and cost-effective space access, alongside modular G-Sat small satellite platforms. This integrated approach allows for both dedicated and rideshare launch services.
Founded in 2012 by brothers Adam Gilmour and James Gilmour, the company emerged from an understanding of the growing demand for accessible space launch services. Their vision was to serve the burgeoning small satellite market by developing sovereign Australian launch capabilities, providing a reliable and economical solution for orbital deployment.
Gilmour Space primarily serves the global small satellite market, providing essential launch infrastructure. The company's long-term vision extends to developing a versatile range of Eris-class launch vehicles capable of deploying larger payloads into various low Earth orbits, with ambitions to eventually support crewed orbital missions, expanding Australia's presence in space exploration.
Gilmour Space Technologies has raised $372.0M in total across 7 funding rounds.
Gilmour Space Technologies's investors include Sam SICILIA, David Gall, Richard Baker, Brighter Super, Funds SA, Future Fund, HESTA, Martin Duursma, NGS Super, Queensland Investment Corporation, Patrick Christiansen, Blackbird Ventures Australia.
Key people at Gilmour Space Technologies.
Gilmour Space Technologies is an Australian aerospace company developing low-cost hybrid-propellant rocket engines and the Eris orbital launch vehicle to deploy small satellites up to 400 kg into low Earth orbit (LEO), alongside the modular ElaraSat satellite bus for ride-sharing services[1][2][4]. It serves commercial, government, and defense customers by addressing high launch costs and limited access for small satellites, operating from a private spaceport in North Queensland with backing from major investors like Blackbird Ventures, Main Sequence Ventures, and Fine Structure Ventures, totaling over $262 million in funding[1][3][5]. The company has demonstrated growth through hundreds of engine tests, suborbital flights, and partnerships, though its first Eris orbital attempt in 2025 failed shortly after launch[1][2].
Gilmour Space Technologies was founded in 2012 (with rocket development starting in 2015) by brothers Adam Gilmour (CEO with a 20-year investment banking background) and James Gilmour (Director) on Queensland's Gold Coast[1][2][3][5]. The idea emerged from building spaceflight simulators for exhibits, evolving into hybrid rocket tech after Adam's passion for rocketry led to recruiting top engineers[1][5]. Early traction came in 2016 with Australia and Singapore's first private hybrid rocket launch reaching 4-5 km, followed by larger developments like the One Vision suborbital rocket and Eris[1].
Gilmour Space rides the New Space wave of small satellite proliferation, where launch bottlenecks hinder growth despite booming demand from Earth observation, communications, and defense[4][5]. Timing aligns with Australia's space sector expansion—projected to add billions in GDP via government-backed local firms—and global market growth like rocket engines reaching $4.47 billion by 2029[2][4]. Favorable forces include venture funding from super funds, international deals (e.g., Sojitz Corporation), and IAF membership, positioning it to catalyze Australia's space economy while challenging incumbents like SpaceX on cost for small payloads[1][3][4][5].
Gilmour Space's resilient pivot post-2025 Eris failure—amid ongoing engine tests and partnerships—signals strong momentum toward commercial launches from Bowen, potentially scaling ElaraSat deployments[1][2][4]. Rising smallsat demand, hybrid tech maturation, and Australian policy support for sovereign space will shape its path, evolving it from pioneer to regional launch leader. This builds on its investor-backed foundation, democratizing orbits as envisioned: ALL ORBITS. ALL PLANETS[4][5].
Gilmour Space Technologies has raised $372.0M across 7 funding rounds. Most recently, it raised $217.0M Other Equity in January 2026.