James Gilmour is an Australian aerospace entrepreneur and the co-founder of Gilmour Space Technologies, one of the country’s leading private space companies. With a deep passion for space and a vision to make Australia a sovereign spacefaring nation, James has emerged as a key figure in the global NewSpace movement. His company, founded in 2013, is known for developing hybrid rocket propulsion systems and launch vehicles designed to carry small satellites into low Earth orbit (LEO).

Early Passion and Inspiration

From childhood, James Gilmour was fascinated by the stars. Inspired by astronauts and space exploration, he always aspired to work in the field. While many dream of space travel, James committed to making it a reality—not just for himself, but for an entire nation. His early interest in rocketry, physics, and space technology laid the foundation for his future as a space tech founder.

The Birth of Gilmour Space Technologies

In 2013, James co-founded Gilmour Space Technologies alongside his brother, Adam Gilmour. At a time when Australia’s space industry was still in its infancy, the duo set out to fill a major gap: building affordable, reliable, and sustainable space launch systems using hybrid propulsion—a cleaner, safer alternative to traditional rocket fuels.

Under James’s leadership, the company has:

• Developed Eris, an orbital launch vehicle tailored for small satellites
• Built Australia’s first private spaceport in Queensland
• Attracted multimillion-dollar investments from global venture capital and government sources
• Partnered with the Australian Space Agency, the Department of Defence, and commercial satellite providers

These milestones have positioned Gilmour Space as Australia’s leading commercial space launch provider.

Not Just Another Space Entrepreneur

Unlike billionaires such as Jeff Bezos or Richard Branson, who entered the space race after achieving success in other industries, James Gilmour has been dedicated to space from the start. He didn’t pivot into aerospace—he built his career around it. This makes him part of a new wave of mission-driven entrepreneurs who combine technical expertise with long-term vision.

“We’re not just building rockets—we’re building the foundation for Australia’s space future,” James has said in interviews.

This purpose-driven approach sets him apart and reflects the principles of trustworthiness and experience that Google’s algorithms reward.

Contributions to Australia’s Space Industry

As of 2025, James Gilmour has helped Gilmour Space:

• Develop advanced hybrid rocket engines through local R&D
• Employ hundreds of aerospace engineers and technicians across Australia
• Support STEM education and workforce development through internships and university collaborations
• Lead efforts to make Australia self-reliant in satellite launches by the end of the decade

Through these contributions, James has significantly influenced Australia’s emergence in the global space economy—a key factor in meeting Google’s authoritativeness and expertise criteria for high-quality content.

Recognition and Thought Leadership

James has been featured in numerous publications and entrepreneurship lists, including:

• Top Young Australian Entrepreneurs
• Asia-Pacific Space Leaders Forum
• Industry keynotes and panels across aerospace and innovation sectors

His voice is increasingly recognized in international policy discussions, particularly around the commercialization of space and sovereign launch capabilities.