Taiwan’s Tamkang University Launches Research Rocket
Tamkang University successfully launched its third research rocket, named “Polaris,” on Monday, August 5th, at 6:28 a.m. Despite the successful launch, the parachute failed to deploy, which is suspected to be due to an issue with the rocket’s avionics board, according to Hsiao Fu-yuen (蕭富元), head of the university's Department of Aerospace Engineering.
The research rocket project aims to cultivate talent in space systems engineering and develop new technology. Hsiao Fu-yuen emphasized that the project has led to improvements in fuel usage, which could contribute significantly to Taiwan’s future rocket development.
Project leader and aerospace engineering Professor Wang I-jen (王怡仁) explained that Polaris builds on the design of the school’s previous rocket, Jessie, by incorporating a vibration reduction ring to limit vibrations during takeoff. Polaris weighs 58 kg, measures 3.08 meters in length, and has a maximum diameter of 16.32 cm. It can achieve a simulated altitude of up to 5.8 km with an average thrust of 2,765 newtons.
Based on current video and data analysis, Polaris reached a maximum altitude of about four kilometers, as reported by CNA. Despite the parachute malfunction, the successful launch marks a significant step in Taiwan's aerospace engineering efforts.
