Two Aussie Space Startups Join Forces for a Hypersonic Push
Synopsis
Gilmour Space and Hypersonix will develop hypersonic flight-test options as Australia expands defence technology priorities and cooperation with the United States and United Kingdom through AUKUS.
Gilmour Space and Hypersonix have entered into an agreement to offer hypersonic flight-test capability for defence and commercial programs both in Australia and overseas, with two space companies uniting to test technology for Mach 5 and above.
It was signed in Canberra on 8th September 2026 at a National Reconstruction Fund Corporation function at Parliament House. The rocket propulsion, launch and flight-test capabilities will be coupled with the scramjet propulsion and hypersonic vehicle technology of Gilmour Space and Hypersonix.
Testing Capability Comes Into Focus
Gilmour Space and Hypersonix are focussing on flight-test requirements for Australian and international programs, such as under the AUKUS Pillar II.
Gilmour Space is working on a hypersonic sounding rocket that will reach speeds greater than Mach 5, the speed of sound. It will be launched from the company's spaceport on the outskirts of Bowen, in North Queensland, and be able to carry payloads up to 200 kilometres.
The DART AE is a hypersonic aircraft developed by Hypersonix using a scramjet engine. The company also has a contract for a mission under the US Department of Defense Defense Innovation Unit for a Rocket Lab HASTE vehicle from Wallops Island, Virginia.
The alliance follows Australia formally placing hypersonic technology on its list of defence research priorities.
Defence Strategy Adds Hypersonic Weapons Priority
Long-range fires and hypersonic weapons are one of six priority areas in Australia's Defence Innovation, Science and Technology Strategy 2026 published on 4th August.
The other five are high energy lasers, autonomous systems, quantum technologies, artificial intelligence and undersea warfare. The Defence strategy provides a 10-year plan for Defence innovation, science and technology.
The global aspect is also growing. Australia's hypersonic flight testing is part of an AUKUS cooperation with the U.S. and U.K., and Defence has highlighted international collaboration as part of its technology strategy.
Gilmour Space is a portfolio company of the National Reconstruction Fund Corporation (NRFC), along with Hypersonix. In January 2026, Gilmour Space raised AUD$0.217 billion, with a AUD$0.075 billion NRFC investment, and Hypersonix raised AUD$0.046 billion in its Series A round in 2025.
The agreement will be used to continue to provide the company with ownership of intellectual property, specialist skills, infrastructure and advanced manufacturing capability in Australia, to assist with Australian and allied programs, the companies said.
Source: Business News Australia
Pooja Malik is a business journalist with over six years of experience covering startups, entrepreneurship, and emerging trends. She has previously worked with leading media platforms such as YourStory Media and BW BusinessWorld, where she reported on business, policy, and market developments. Currently, she serves as Editor at The Inspirepreneur Magazine, where she writes and edits stories across business, lifestyle, and travel, with a focus on clarity, accuracy, and reader relevance.
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