Australia Fails in Rocket Launch Attempt; List of the World’s Leading Space Powers + Video

According to Rokna, a recent report about Australia’s unsuccessful attempt to launch an orbital rocket has renewed focus on the group of nations with advanced space launch technology. Iran, despite all its constraints, managed to join this exclusive club over a decade ago.

Australia’s Space Dream Shattered

Global media outlets reported on Thursday that Australia’s first space launch attempt in 54 years ended in failure. The scientific outlet “Live Science” reported that the Eris-1 rocket — the first fully Australian-made rocket — fell back to Earth just 14 seconds after launch. The rocket had been launched from a space base in Queensland.

Although the Eris-1 rocket initially functioned correctly during launch and its engines performed adequately, it stopped just a few seconds later and crashed. Footage of the moment showed the rocket burning entirely in flames without a catastrophic explosion.

First Space Attempt in 54 Years

The Eris-1 only managed to reach an altitude of 25 meters before crashing. Interestingly, this marked Australia's first attempt since 1971 to enter orbital space. Previously, the United Kingdom had successfully launched a rocket — the “Black Arrow” — with Australia’s assistance.

Australia and the UK’s Experience

The well-known “Black Arrow” rocket was the United Kingdom’s first successful space achievement. Using this rocket, the UK managed to launch the Prospero satellite into low Earth orbit. However, following this launch, the British government decided to abandon the development of its own space rockets in favor of using American missile technology.

Countries with Satellite Launch Technology

The technology for satellite launch is among the most advanced in the world, and only a few nations possess the capability to execute it. Here is a look at the countries that have successfully developed this technology:

1. Soviet Union – 1957 with the launch of Sputnik 1

2. United States – 1958 with Explorer 1

3. France – 1965 with the Astérix satellite

4. Japan – 1970 with the Ohsumi satellite

5. China – 1970 with the Dong Fang Hong 1 satellite

6. United Kingdom – 1971 with the Prospero satellite

7. European Space Agency (ESA) – 1979 with the CAT-1 satellite

8. India – 1980 with the Rohini-1 satellite

9. Israel – 1988 with the Ofek-1 satellite

10. Ukraine – 1991 with the Strela-3 satellite