TAIPEI (Taiwan News) – Tamkang University successfully launched a research rocket on Sunday morning at the Hsu-Hai Research Rocket Launch Site in Pingtung County.
The Tamkang-2 rocket’s engine burned for 13 seconds and reached its peak altitude 38 seconds after liftoff. According to transmitted flight data, the rocket exceeded an altitude of seven kilometers, per CNA.
Wang Yi-ren (王怡仁), a professor in Tamkang University’s Department of Aerospace Engineering, said the launch was a success, noting that the avionics system designed and built by the university team transmitted data in real time despite high speeds and intense vibration.
To support Taiwan’s launch vehicle development, the National Science and Technology Council tasked the Taiwan Space Agency with advancing scientific rockets, prompting academic and research institutions to conduct flight testing and verification work.
Tamkang University began its rocket development program in 2021 and has since launched the Tamkang-I, Jessie, and Polaris rockets. The new Tamkang-2, powered by a Polaris engine, is 222 cm in length, 14 cm in diameter, and weighs 52.3 kg.
It generated 2,765 newtons of thrust and 26,000 newton-seconds of specific impulse (engine efficiency). The rocket is equipped with a new-generation avionics system to improve communication and telemetry.
Wang said Tamkang-2 is the university’s fourth rocket, with each designed for a different verification goal. Tamkang tested the propulsion system, Jessie validated composite material strength, and Polaris verified the vibration reduction system. Tamkang-2’s successful avionics performance marks progress toward the goal of altitude control.
Hsiao Fu-yuan (蕭富元), also a professor in the Department of Aerospace Engineering, said the team plans to continue advancing key technologies, including roll control, rocket segmentation, and in-flight secondary ignition, all of which rely on avionics.
TASA said Taiwan’s space industry has grown in recent years, with a supply chain encompassing satellite manufacturing, space transportation, ground equipment, and satellite data applications. Rocket launches are intended to fill a gap in the nation’s space transportation capabilities.
NSTC established the Hsu-Hai launch facility in Pingtung to provide a legal and safe launch site for academic and research institutions. TASA oversees application reviews and site operations and has completed 12 rocket launches to date.
