A rocket launch by the University of Hawaii may have failed last week, but UH says it’s still a promising beginning. Pacific Business News Editor in Chief A. Kam Napier has more.

Last week- The Super Strypi rocket launched from the Pacific Missile Range facility at Barking Sands on Kaua‘i.  It was carrying a payload – A satellite produced by 150 IH students- the “Hiaka Sat” intended for use by the Department of Defense.

While the rocket failed in mid-air shortly after launch – Hawai‘i Space Flight Laboratory director Luke Flynn says the launch itself was a “tremendous success”, and has put Hawai‘i on the aerospace map.  The rail launcher system and pad – the permanent parts of the facility – performed flawlessly.  The University of Hawai‘i invested $2-million in small satellite test equipment that will benefit future missions – and the students gained valuable, real world experience in satellite development.

In addition- thanks to this mission, there are now satellite tracking stations at Kaua‘i and Honolulu community colleges that are fielding requests for services.  According to Flynn – two other commercial companies have already approached the Hawai‘i Space Flight Laboratory about using the Hawai‘i launcher for support.