Australia’s first attempt to launch an orbital rocket from its soil failed just 14 seconds after liftoff on Wednesday. 

The 23-meter Eris rocket by Gilmour Space rose briefly over Bowen before losing trajectory and crashing in a fiery descent, causing no harm nearby.

Despite the failure, the company called it a milestone, as all four engines fired successfully for 23 seconds.

Though the rocket didn’t reach orbit, local officials praised the launch as a major step forward. Gilmour Space recently received a AU$5 million federal grant, adding to a AU$52 million agreement in 2023 to develop Australia’s commercial space capabilities. The Eris test marked the country’s first orbital launch attempt in over 50 years.