Electrification specialist equipmake will partner with Australian firm Gilmour Space Technologies to support its commercial space rocket programme.
Equipmake will assist with the space programme with the supply of advanced electric motors and inverters for Gilmour Space's Eris rockets.
Led by former Formula 1 engineer Ian Foley, Equipmake develops EV technology for automotive manufacturers and complete EV powertrains for buses.
Equipmake has expanded its operations into the aerospace, agriculture, marine, mining and off-highway sectors and is now seeking to establish itself in the space industry after partnering with Gilmour Space.
Queensland-based company Gilmour Space specialises in developing hybrid propulsion systems for launching small satellites into orbit.
After its first hybrid rocket test flight in 2016 and Signing a Space Act Agreement with Nasa in 2018, Gilmour Space started searching for a partner to design, engineer and supply a bespoke electric motor and inverter system for its orbital-class Eris rocket engines.
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Having already developed a range of high-power density motors, Equipmake was able to meet Gilmour Space’s strict requirements for power and weight, when initial work on the project began in late 2020.
Equipmake will continue to support Gilmour Space and its rocket programme through the supply of its innovative electric motors, which can deliver significant performance in challenging conditions, according to the firm.
“It is an honour to have been chosen by a company of the calibre and ambition of Gilmour Space to assist in providing technical solutions for its innovative hybrid rocket launch programme,” said Ian Foley, Equipmake CEO.
“Developing the extremely lightweight, exceptionally high-energy-density electric motor and inverter unit was one of the most challenging and exciting projects we have undertaken at Equipmake.”
Thanks to the partnership, Gilmour space will see its Eris rocket engines launch into space next year.
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