Building Aussie Rockets - Interview with Adam Gilmour, Co-Founder of Gilmour Space

By Josh Keegan

I had an opportunity to chat with Adam Gilmour from Gilmour Space and I got a chance to all about why he left a career in the banking industry to start a rocket company with his brother James! Adam Gilmour is Australia's version of Elon Musk or Peter Beck - he has seen an opportunity to significantly reduce the costs of access to space using advanced manufacturing including 3D printing! A venture backed company, Gilmour Space is one of the largest rocket companies in Australia driving down prices whilst advancing the rocket industry.

Adam's decision to leave the banking industry and delve into the space sector stemmed from his passion for space and identifying a significant market opportunity. He noticed a gap in the accessibility and affordability of space travel and aimed to address this bottleneck by founding Gilmour Space Technologies.

Even before the rise of SpaceX, Adam had been following the space industry closely. Witnessing SpaceX's success further fueled his determination to venture into the rocket business. Despite initial doubts from others, Adam was inspired by SpaceX's journey and strived to make space more accessible through Gilmour Space.

One intriguing aspect of Adam's journey was how he convinced his wife and brother, James, to join him on this entrepreneurial endeavor. Presenting a solid business plan and demonstrating the potential success of Gilmour Space Technologies played a pivotal role in gaining their support.

Gilmour Space faced several technical challenges during its rocket launch attempts, with one particular incident highlighting the complexities involved in rocket development. Despite setbacks, Adam's team persevered and continued to refine their technology, emphasizing safety and precision in their testing procedures.

Looking ahead, Gilmore Space aims to focus on planetary exploration by designing vehicles capable of reaching the moon or Mars. With a vision set for the long term, the company is gearing up for significant milestones and potential collaborations within the growing Australian space industry.

With the Australian government's recent investment in space technologies and programs like NASA's Artemis, Gilmore Space stands poised to contribute to the evolving landscape of space exploration. The company's commitment to innovation, advanced manufacturing techniques, and a dedicated team signals a promising future in the space industry.

Opportunities at Gilmore Space

For those interested in joining the Australian space industry, Gilmore Space presents opportunities for engineers, advisors, and students seeking to venture into the realm of aerospace. With plans for expansion and continuous hiring, the company welcomes individuals passionate about space exploration.

In conclusion, Gilmore Space's journey encapsulates the essence of ambition, perseverance, and innovation in the pursuit of pushing boundaries in the space industry. As Adam Gilmour and his team continue to navigate challenges and strive for excellence, the future holds exciting prospects for the Australian space industry.

Original YouTube interview and tour: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sj-PeD4kcms