
Engineering students from UKZN have designed and successfully launched a small rocket.
The Aerospace Systems Research Institute (ASRI) Space Propulsion Program of the University of KwaZulu-Natal successfully test-launched its Phoenix 1 D hybrid rocket prototype on March 14.
The University is presently the only institution of higher learning in South Africa that offers a program in applied rocket propulsion.
The program equips the students in advanced manufacturing, aerospace systems design, rocket launch operations, and computational analysis.
The @UKZN Aerospace Research Institute (ASRI) tested two hybrid rockets, Phoenix-1D and Phoenix-1C on 13 and 16 March 2023 at the Denel Overberg Test Range in the Western Cape. pic.twitter.com/WiJfM2kcwT
— DEPARTMENT OF SCIENCE & INNOVATION (@dsigovza) March 17, 2023
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UKZN explained why this is a very important innovation for the country and science.
“The Phoenix hybrid rocket programme, is driven by young mechanical engineering students at UKZN.”
“Months of hard work on the design and production elements of the Phoenix rocket, by a group of dedicated young people, culminated in an exciting launch.”
“The team is now preparing for the second and final test for the campaign, that of the Phoenix 1C, a low-altitude rocket and, weather-permitting, it will be launched with experimental payloads for the Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT), SANSA and a private company that the engineers hope to recover.”
Congratulations are in order.
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