Major Domestic Investment Secured by Gilmour Space
Will Support the Scaling the Country’s Sovereign Space Capability
A Series E private equity investment supporting the next phase of growth in Australia’s domestic space capability has been secured by Gilmour Space. The investment is valued at some $217 million Australian, or about $145 million U.S.
“This investment reflects strong investor confidence in our team and in Australia’s ability to build and operate critical space infrastructure at home.”
Adam Gilmour, Gilmour Space
The round was jointly led by the National Reconstruction Fund Corporation (NRFC) and Hostplus, with participation from Future Fund, Blackbird, Funds SA, HESTA, NGS Super, Main Sequence, QIC, and Brighter Super.
Founded on the Gold Coast, Gilmour Space is building an end-to-end sovereign space capability spanning the design, manufacture, test, and launch of rockets and satellites in Australia. “This investment reflects strong investor confidence in our team and in Australia’s ability to build and operate critical space infrastructure at home. We’ve reached important technical and business milestones,” said Adam Gilmour, Co-founder and CEO of Gilmour Space. “Our focus now is on delivering reliable and regular access to space for customers both at home and abroad.”
Company milestones include Australia’s first sovereign orbital launch attempt from home soil, the successful on-orbit operation of its 100-kilogram (≈220 pound) ElaraSat satellite platform, and the establishment of the country’s first licensed commercial orbital launch facility in North Queensland.
Proceeds from the raise will be used to support continued development and qualification of its Eris orbital launch vehicle, scale rocket and satellite manufacturing, expand test and launch infrastructure, and grow the company’s workforce to meet global demand for space launch services.
Access to space underpins modern economies, enabling critical services such as communications, navigation, climate and environmental monitoring, disaster response, and national security. “Space technologies are fundamental to national resilience, economic productivity, and regional growth,” said David Gall, CEO of NRFC. “Gilmour’s success will help secure Australia’s access to essential space services, strengthen our advanced manufacturing base, and create highly skilled jobs and opportunities in the region.”
“As one of the nation’s leading investors in domestic venture capital, we are committed to identifying opportunities that deliver long-term value for our members,” said Hostplus Chief Investment Officer, Sam Sicilia. “This capital injection will help position Gilmour Space for its next phase of growth, enabling it to scale operations and advance technology development, creating potential for strong, risk-adjusted returns for our members.”
Gilmour Space employs more than 220 staff, engages with local universities and research organizations, and works with hundreds of domestic suppliers to advance Australian manufacturing, create high-skill jobs, and build long-term sovereign space capability.