Focus Taiwan
Date: 2015/11/09
By: Chang Jung-hsiang and Evelyn Kao

Taipei, Nov. 9 (CNA) A new hybrid rocket built by a research team from National Cheng Kung University (NCKU) was launched Oct. 28, the university announced Monday.

The rocket took off from a beach in Mudan Township, Pingtung County, and reached an altitude of 9 kilometers, a record high for a hybrid rocket launched by any university in Asia, according to the team leader, Chao Yi-chin (趙怡欽), director of the Aerospace Science Department of NCKU.

The rocket’s launch, which required 1,000 kilogram-force (kgf) thrust, represents a key technological breakthrough and indicates that the hybrid rocket development program can ultimately progress beyond the laboratory stage and enter the application stage, Chao said.

The rocket measures 5.3 meters in height, 28 cm in diameter and weighs 194 kg in take-off weight, according to Chao.     [FULL  STORY]