Researchers at Tamkang University tested a research rocket in southern Taiwan yesterday, making them the first group to accomplish two successful launches since the launch site became operational last year, the Taiwan Space Agency (TASA) said.
The university, based in New Taipei City, launched its second scientific research rocket, named Jessie after a Pokemon character, at 6:49am from the site in Pingtung County’s Syuhai Village (旭海), TASA said in a news release.
The launch tested the rocket’s payload and structural design, which incorporates composite materials, the agency added.
Photo courtesy of the Taiwan Space Agency
The single-stage rocket, part of a scientific research rocket development program supported by TASA, was 2.87m long, had a maximum diameter of 13cm and weighed 42kg, TASA said, adding that it was expected to reach an altitude of 4.2km.
Jessie is based on the TKU-I rocket that was successfully launched in June, confirming the university’s capabilities regarding research rocket development and related systems integration, said Hsiao Fu-yuen (蕭富元), director of the university’s Department of Aerospace Engineering.
The rocket is fueled by an RNX, or epoxy-based, composite propellant known for its stability and safety, the university said.
Wang Yi-ren (王怡仁), director of the rocket program, said that Jessie carried more devices than the TKU-I, including a magnetic field meter and accelerometer.
The magnetic field meter tracked changes in the geomagnetic environment during the flight, while the accelerometer measured vibration frequency, Wang said.
These data would help to verify the relationship between vibration frequency and geomagnetic component changes, and serve as a reference for the department’s upcoming rocket program, he added.
The launch of Jessie was initially scheduled for Sept. 3 but was postponed by a week due to Typhoon Haikui.
TASA Director-General Wu Jong-shinn (吳宗信) said that the Syuhai launch site provides a legal and safe space for related research.
To date, four scientific research sounding rockets have been launched from the site, including a two-stage hybrid rocket by National Cheng Kung University in November last year, Wu said.
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