TALA, the country's first high-powered hybrid rocket, was successfully launched from Crow Valley Gunnery Range in Capas, Tarlac on Saturday, May 20.
"TALA team preparing the rocket for second launch attempt in the early morning of 20 May. The first attempt on 19 May was postponed due to unfavorable weather conditions" Photo courtesy of PhilSA
In a statement, the Philippine Space Agency (PhilSA) said that the rocket was able to deploy its Can Satellite payload before landing back on the ground.
The TALA rocketry team retrieved the body of the rocket and is now collecting and analyzing the launch data.
"The TALA team retrieving the rocket body after the launch." Photo courtesy of PhilSA
The space agency noted that TALA used both solid and liquid oxidizers, making the handling, shipping, and storage of the rocket safer.
"The technology demonstration of a hybrid propelled rocket is seen to further stimulate space science and technology applications research in order to advance innovation and development of our own space assets for research, exploration, and commercial activities," PhilSA said.
"TALA and PhilSA teams take a photo with the retrieved rocket body." Photo courtesy of PhilSA
It was initially scheduled for May 19 but was postponed due to unfavorable environmental conditions.
The launch was in partnership with the Philippine Air Force at the Colonel Ernesto Ravina Air Base, the 710th Special Operations Wing, the Air Force Research and Development Center, the Air Force Systems Engineering Office, the 950th Cyberspace and Electronic Warfare Wing, the Air Force Public Affairs Office, and the 790th Air Base Groups.
It was also the culminating activity of PhilSA's Space Technology Applications Exhibit and school tour in Tarlac.