SYDNEY — Despite its first orbital launch attempt lasting only a few seconds, Gilmour Space Technologies is satisfied with the attempt and moving ahead to return to the launch pad next year.

In a talk at the International Astronautical Congress here Oct. 3, Adam Gilmour, co-founder and chief executive of Gilmour Space, recounted the first flight of the company’s Eris small launch vehicle July 30 from its launch complex in Queensland.

The rocket lifted off the pad but, seconds later, drifted away from the pad and fell back to the ground. Video of the launch appeared to show at least one of the four hybrid rocket engines, using liquid oxygen and solid fuel, had malfunctioned, generating little or no thrust.

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