Gilmour Space Technologies Will Launch a Fire Detection Satellite in 2022

Gilmour Space Technologies will partner up with Space Machines Company and Fireball.International to launch a fire detection satellite into orbit. The launch is scheduled for March next year and should become a significant milestone for the Australian space agency and its aerospace industry, in general. After all, this will be the first 100% local product and the first local launch.

Gilmour Space Technologies Role in Upcoming Launch 

In March 2022, Gilmour Space Technologies will launch Optimus-1 orbital transport designed by Space Machines. Fireball.International will design a bushfire detection satellite to go on board of this carrier. All three startups — the launch provider, the satellite maker, and the rocket builder — are Australian companies willing to take their homeland into the new era of space tech.

The satellite designed by Fireball.International can detect fires in real-time by analysing imagers and sensors’ data. According to preliminary estimates, detecting fires within half an hour after they occur can save up to $8.2 billion of budget funds. 

Christopher Tylor, Fireball CEO, is very excited about this collaboration opportunity and is proud to be a part of the 100% Australian space mission. Rajat Kulshrestha, Space Machines CEO, adds that the upcoming launch should reveal Australia’s true potential in the aerospace industry. Kulshrestha believes that if this launch is successful, the government will be on its way to achieving some very significant space milestones. 

Space Machines signed a launch agreement with Gilmour Space Technologies in September 2020. Space Machines should become one of the first clients for Gilmour Space Technologies lightweight rocket Eris. Next year, Gilmour will deliver a 35kg spacecraft for Space Machines. 

All three startups, Gilmour Space Technologies included, believe that launching satellites into orbit should become more affordable. High launch cost remains the biggest challenge for most companies, but Space Machines tech can effectively solve this problem. 

However, the Australian space future is not yet certain. Most local startups are concerned by the federal government’s regulation to introduce launch permits. If this regulation stands, the sector will probably shut down before kicking off. 

However, Tylor is optimistic about the Australian space future. He states that the Australian space agency and the industry are still very young. Besides, ASA is responsive and always open to collaboration. With enthusiasts like Gilmour Space Technologies on board, Australia’s future within the space industry shows promise.