The First Sovereign Orbital Launch Capability was celebrated in Engineers Australia’s 2026 Excellence Awards, recognising the exceptional engineering talent and groundbreaking projects helping shape Australia’s future.
According to Engineers Australia, Eris TestFlight1 represents a landmark achievement in Australian engineering, establishing the nation’s first end-to-end sovereign orbital launch capability.
“Bringing together advanced propulsion, manufacturing, avionics, software, systems integration, launch infrastructure and operations, the project demonstrates exceptional multidisciplinary engineering and technical ambition,” the awards confirmed.
“Through the development of an Australian-designed and manufactured orbital launch vehicle, proprietary hybrid propulsion technology and Australia’s first licensed orbital spaceport, the project has established enduring sovereign capability and strengthened Australia’s advanced manufacturing and space industries.”
The annual awards celebrate the extraordinary achievements of engineering teams, projects and individuals whose innovation, expertise and leadership are advancing the profession, tackling complex challenges and improving lives across the country.
At the national awards ceremony, Engineers Australia CEO Romilly Madew AO said this year’s winners demonstrated the ingenuity and impact of Australia’s engineering profession.
“Every day, engineers are finding innovative solutions to some of the greatest challenges facing our nation, and this year’s winners represent the very best of that work,” Ms Madew said.
“From delivering critical infrastructure and embracing emerging technologies to creating more sustainable and resilient communities, their achievements demonstrate the extraordinary breadth and impact of engineering.
“These are the innovators, problem-solvers and leaders who are shaping our future and inspiring the next generation to pursue a career in engineering.
“Engineering is fundamental to Australia's future prosperity, and recognising the people and projects behind these achievements is an important reminder of the vital contribution our profession makes to society.”
The national awards recognise excellence across emerging talent, professional practice, project delivery and lifetime achievement, with winners selected from an outstanding field of nominees representing the breadth and diversity of Australia’s engineering profession.
As part of the Excellence Awards program, Engineers Australia has also announced the winners of the 2026 Achievement Awards. The Achievement Awards honour the engineering accomplishments of individuals at every stage of their careers, across Engineers Australia’s colleges and engineering communities.
Other winners included Emerging Engineer of the Year – Ryan Collier, Biomedical Engineer (WA).
Engineering Associate of the Year – Brent Burgess, Digital Engineering Lead (WA)
Professional Engineer of the Year – Eric Vanweydeveld, Director and Principal Consultant (NSW)
President’s Prize; Sarnia Rusbridge (NSW).
Peter Nicol Russell Memorial Award: Douglas Hargreaves AM (QLD).
Honorary Fellows: Ian Croser AM (NSW), Rachel Durbin AM (NSW), Katherine Bennell-Pegg (SA), Geoffrey Sizer (NSW), Lucia Cade (VIC), Nicholas Fleming (VIC), Peter Johnson (VIC) and Rory Nathan (VIC).
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