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Old 15-05-2025, 05:36 PM
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astronobob (Bob)
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This is a copy & Paste from SPACE DAILY :

"After securing approval from the Australian Space Agency, takeoff is expected within a multi-day window starting on Thursday, weather permitting, chief executive Adam Gilmour told AFP on Wednesday.

But he's not setting his hopes too high for now

If it actually orbits Earth "I would probably have a heart attack, actually, because I'll be so surprised, but deliriously happy", Gilmour said.

"Look, we're going to be happy if it gets off the pad -- 10, 20, 30 seconds of flight time: fantastic. So orbit is just not in the realm of my belief right now, even though it's theoretically possible."

The 23-metre vehicle -- designed to launch small satellites into low-Earth orbit -- is being prepared for takeoff from Abbot Point, about 1,000 kilometres (600 miles) up from the Queensland capital Brisbane.

Weighing 30 tonnes fully fuelled, it relies on a "fairly unique" hybrid propulsion system, using a solid inert fuel and a liquid oxidiser, which provides the oxygen for it to burn, Gilmour said.

The payload for the test flight is a jar of Vegemite -- a popular Australian toast topping -- but the rocket design is for a capacity of 100-200 kilogrammes (220-440 pounds), with further upgrades being developed.
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Gilmour received final approvals for launch from the Australian Space Agency and CASA last week and now has a lift-off window from 7.30am AEST through to Sunday
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