PENANG, 16 June 2023 – For the second time in the annals of Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM), the team with the high-powered rocket from the USM Engineering Campus has departed to New Mexico, USA to participate in the Spaceport America Cup (SAC) 2023 from the 19 until 24 June 2023.

Retaining the name WAU Rocketry, this team has become the sole national varsity team to qualify in launching a rocket in SAC 2023, the biggest high-powered rocket conference and competition for universities in the world.

Previously in 2022, the WAU Rocketry team was the first Malaysian team to be selected to launch a rocket in the SAC competition, and to be able to secure 7th place in the 10,000 feet Commercial of The Shelf (COTS) category and to be ranked 12th in the world.

For this 2023 edition, Wau Rocketry with its rocket known as HEBAT II will once again compete in the 10,000 feet COTS category, this time targeting the top 5 placing in the world.

Wau Rocketry Team Leader, Vanmitha Athimoolam said, the team comprises of 16 students, and under the guidance of two lecturers from the USM School of Aerospace Engineering (PPKA), Dr. Norilmi Amilia Ismail and Dr. Chang Wei Shyang, both serving as team advisors and highly-experienced mentors in the area of rocket development.

“Our vision is to expedite the development of the aerospace industry, especially regarding high-powered rockets in Malaysia.

“Aside from that, the mission of this team is to provide exposure to the university students in Malaysia in the field of rockets, and to spur their interest to take part in future editions of SAC,” she said.

Added Vanmitha, her team and her would do their ultimate best to uplift the name of USM and the country in this prestigious competition, which sees the participation of hundreds of teams from all over the world.

She further added, the team was deeply moved with the support from USM and other parties, especially from collaborators such as Malaysian Industry-Government Group for High Technology (MIGHT) and the sponsors including the Ministry of Finance, Malaysia; OMS Foundation; Malaysia Airlines, Ministry of Higher Education, Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation (MOSTI), Prevail Production, Zush, Kovra and others.

Additionally, the Dean of PPKA, Professor Dr. Farzad Ismail said, USM has always provided strong support to the WAU Rocketry team, and at the same time it serves as an example on the efforts taken by USM in the empowerment of student talents.

He continued saying that, the achievement of Wau Rocketry for the second time to compete at the international stage has solidify their commitment and determination in realising the HEBAT (Holistic, Entrepreneurial, Balanced, Articulate, Thinking) traits within themselves.

“Their participation in the competition has also given the exposure to the global aerospace industry, and allowing them to build collaborative networks with other parties involved,” he added.

He shared his thoughts at the Flag-Giving Ceremony to the WAU Rocketry team, which had left for New Mexico, USA from the Kuala Lumpur International Airport, here yesterday.

Translation: Mazlan Hanafi Basharudin/Photo: USM School of Aerospace Engineering & Sponsors