Gilmour Space Announces Significant Australian Investment to Enhance Sovereign Space Capabilities
Australian launch vehicle and satellite manufacturer, Gilmour Space Technologies, has secured $145 million in private equity funding to facilitate the next stage of growth within Australia’s domestic space sector. The company’s Eris orbital vehicle, located at Bowen Orbital Spaceport in Queensland, Australia, marks a significant milestone in Gilmour Space’s development trajectory. The Series E investment round was co-led by the National Reconstruction Fund Corporation (NRFC) and Hostplus, with additional support from Future Fund, Blackbird, Funds SA, HESTA, NGS Super, Main Sequence, QIC, and Brighter Super.
Established on the Gold Coast, Gilmour Space is advancing an integrated sovereign space capability encompassing the design, production, testing, and launch of rockets and satellites across Australia. Adam Gilmour, Co-founder and CEO, stated: “This investment demonstrates substantial investor confidence in our team and in Australia’s capacity to develop and operate vital space infrastructure domestically. We have achieved key technical and commercial milestones, and our current priority is to provide dependable and frequent access to space for domestic and international clients.”
Notable achievements for Gilmour Space include conducting Australia’s inaugural sovereign orbital launch attempt, successfully operating its 100-kilogram ElaraSat satellite platform in orbit, and establishing the country’s first licensed commercial orbital launch facility in North Queensland.
Proceeds from this capital raise will be allocated towards the ongoing development and certification of the Eris orbital launch vehicle, scaling rocket and satellite manufacturing capabilities, expanding testing and launch infrastructure, and increasing workforce capacity to meet the global demand for space launch services.
Reliable access to space supports modern economies by enabling essential services such as communications, navigation, climate and environmental monitoring, disaster response, and national security. David Gall, CEO of NRFC, remarked: “Space technologies are integral to national resilience, economic productivity, and regional advancement. Gilmour’s achievements will bolster Australia’s access to critical space services, reinforce our advanced manufacturing sector, and generate highly skilled employment opportunities throughout the region.” Sam Sicilia, Chief Investment Officer at Hostplus, added: “This capital injection positions Gilmour Space for its next growth phase, enabling expanded operations and technological innovation, while creating potential for strong, risk-adjusted returns.”
Gilmour Space currently employs more than 220 staff, collaborates with local universities and research organizations, and partners with hundreds of domestic suppliers to foster Australian manufacturing, develop high-skill jobs, and strengthen long-term sovereign space capability.