Advanced materials developed and manufactured at The University of Queensland (UQ) were launched to the lower limits of the earth’s atmosphere yesterday on a private property one hour north-west of Goondiwindi in Australia’s first commercial rocket launch.
PhD student Christian Kudisonga said the launch demonstrated the University’s ability to create technology and materials for Queensland’s emerging space industry.
UQ researchers created a ceramic matrix composite panel which forms part of the rocket’s body for launch provider Black Sky Aerospace (BSA).
The rocket is capable of withstanding more than 2000°C and is equipped with an integrated high temperature sensor.