Australia's first rocket crashes after 14 seconds in flight

The first rocket manufactured and launched by an Australian aerospace company crashed after 14 minutes of flight. Measuring 23 meters (75 feet), the Eris rocket was tasked with reaching orbit, marking the country’s first orbital launch in 50 years and the first ever locally produced.

For a maiden test flight, this is a strong result and a major step forward for Australia’s sovereign space capability, celebrated Gilmour Space Technologies, the company behind the vehicle, in a release. "Only six nations launch to orbit regularly — and just a handful are working to join them. Today brings Australia closer to that club."