An artist's impression of the Eris rocket blasting off. (Supplied: Gilmour Space Technologies)
In short:
The first attempt to send an Australian-made rocket into orbit is set to take place after the middle of March.
The launch window announcement has excited the community of Bowen, where businesses expect a trade boost from visiting spectators.
What's next?
Gilmour Space Technologies says it will be "very lucky" if the launch is successful.
The Queensland company planning to send satellites to space from Australia will launch its first test rocket after March 15.
Gilmour Space Technologies' launch window announcement marks a major development for the Gold Coast company, which has been working towards a test launch for a decade.
Gilmour had hoped to launch its test rocket, Eris, in May 2024, but did not receive final airspace approvals until late last year.
Company co-founder James Gilmour said he believed a successful test launch would be a historic moment for the country.
"The launch of Eris will demonstrate a sovereign space capability that has never been seen before in Australia," he said.
The Eris rocket is 23 metres high. (Supplied: Gilmour Space Technologies)
But he said the launch could be delayed due to technical or environmental reasons such as the strengthening Tropical Cyclone Alfred.
A long-range forecast for the category one system has it moving towards the central Queensland coast but its path remains unclear.
"We believe the effects on our site will just be high winds — that would cause us to pause or delay our launch," Mr Gilmour said.
The company's rocket program began in 2015. (ABC News: Chris Gillette)
The company said it would be "very lucky" if the rocket reached orbit on first attempt.Â
"Success means different things for different people, but ignition and lift off will be huge," he said.Â
The Eris rocket will be unmanned but there will be a sole jar of vegemite on board.Â
"We hope that no jars of vegemite will be hurt in this maiden attempt," Mr Gilmour said.
Space enthusiasts are expected to flock to lookout sites in Bowen to watch the launch. (ABC North Qld: Rachael Merritt)
Community excitement
The space port is located at Abbot Point, north of the coastal community of Bowen.
The location was chosen due its proximity to the equator and sparse population.
The Bowen Chamber of Commerce is expecting an "enormous boost" for businesses.
"It's a very exciting step forward for Bowen and the community and the region because it means so much to us," president Bruce Hedditch said.
"It will be an enormous boost for North Queensland.Â
"Cape Canaveral in Florida gets about 120,000 people to watch a NASA launch.
"All we want is one or two per cent of that for the Bowen region."
Those planning to travel to watch the launch were encouraged to make arrangements sooner rather than later.
"It is difficult for planning to take place when the launch date is fluid," Mr Hedditch said.
"For travellers, book a caravan park or hotel to make sure you have accommodation.
"You can even travel in for a day and watch what happens from the shoreline — everyone should have a spectacular view."
Gilmour Space Technologies said Abbot Point would be off limits to the public during the launch for safety reasons.Â
The company has encouraged people to watch from areas such as Queens Beach, Flagstaff Hill or Greys Bay.