TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Feng Chia University (FCU) launched its second research rocket SHSR-Aero2 in Pingtung on Monday (Nov. 11).

According to a Monday press release, the project, led by Professor Yeh Chun-liang (葉俊良), focuses on developing a single-stage hybrid research rocket and conducting scientific missions.

Yeh said SHSR-Aero2 uses an improved thrust system alongside optimized rocket electronics and ground support systems, per CNA. These changes significantly improved the rocket’s performance compared to SHSR-Aero1, its predecessor launched last year, he added.

Wu Po-chin (吳柏縉), a second-year master’s student from the Department of Aerospace and Systems Engineering, said the most challenging part of developing this rocket was the system conversion. To amplify the thrust, the oxidizer was changed from gas to liquid as well as extensive calculations and testing.

Taiwan Space Agency (TASA) Director General Wu Jong-shinn (吳宗信) said Taiwan's satellite industry lacks space transportation. He said in 2023, TASA launched an orbital rocket development project with support from the National Science and Technology Council (NSTC).

Through the project, TASA aims to enhance the academic community’s rocket development capabilities and foster talent, Wu added.

FCU said SHSR-Aero2 had an average thrust of 1,250 Newtons with an impulse of approximately 15,000 Newton-seconds. It reached a total flight time of about 75 seconds and an altitude of 6.4 kilometers, meeting its objectives.