Taiwan launched its locally made HTTP-3A research rocket for a test flight Sunday. The rocket, which uses a mix of liquid and solid state propellants, is designed to eventually carry miniature satellites into orbit. It was developed by a rocket research center at National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University. At 6:12 a.m. it blasted off from a launch site in Macaran, a village in Pingtung County. After travelling vertically for 30 seconds, it dipped. A minute and 20 seconds later, it touched down in the sea.
Wei Shih-sin
NYCU Advanced Rocket Research Center
That’s one big successful step. Our rocket smoothly took off from our launch pad and the whole process was controlled by the rocket’s autonomous navigation and flight system.
Dr. Wu Jong-shinn
National Space Organization head
I think this is a historic moment. This is the first liftoff from a launch pad that was set up by our nation according to law.
Chung Chia-pin
DPP lawmaker
We are very happy and delighted. Today we were very lucky to witness a successful rocket launch.
The Advanced Rocket Research Center at National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University oversaw the rocket''s launch. It is the world''s first rocket for carrying satellites with guidance and control technologies. Following three years of research and development, Sunday''s launch was a test of the second-stage rocket propulsion system, which kicks in when the rocket reaches a certain altitude. A test of the first-stage rocket, as well as the separation mechanism, could take place early next year, the center says. On Sunday, the rocket reached an altitude of 3 kilometers. Despite the original plan to reach a maximum altitude of 10 kilometers in an eight-minute flight, the team still hailed the test flight as a 99.9% success.
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