TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — A team from National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University (NYCU) launched its reusable rocket, codenamed “SSTO,” in Pingtung on Monday (Aug. 5).

According to an NYCU press release on Tuesday, the objective was to develop a low-cost, recoverable rocket capable of reaching an altitude of one km which could be used for teaching or competition purposes. The rocket’s propulsion system used RNX solid propellant, known for its safety and low cost, per CNA.

The school reported the rocket reached an altitude of approximately one kilometer and deployed its parachute 15 seconds after launch. The total flight time was around two minutes and two seconds.

The rocket features a highly modular design and uses commercially available components to reduce costs, with the rocket body costing only NT$20,000 (US$611) excluding the propulsion system, the school explained.

Assistant Professor Wei Shih-sin (魏世昕) said students faced challenges applying systems engineering concepts. Teams had to work together to execute mission planning under limited resources, he added.

Mechanical engineering student and SSTO team leader Chien Hsiang-che (簡祥哲) said developing a rocket is a complex engineering task that requires knowledge in various fields. He thanked his teammates for the countless nights spent together and hoped that SSTO could inspire students across Taiwan to pursue rocket research.