A research team from the National Chiao Tung University recently conducted a test launch in Hsinchu of a rocket powered by sugar. Although it failed to reach the target height of 0.7 kilometer, the result was nevertheless encouraging. And a re-launch has already been scheduled to take place next month.

Although the National Chiao Tung University research team had hoped that their mini-rockets would reach an altitude of 700 meters, their rockets fell back to earth from 500 meters.

While the test launch was unsuccessful, many spectators were thrilled by the exercise.

The NCTU team, which was led by Professor Wu Jong-shinn, was testing hybrid rockets powered by sugarcane.

Their first successful test launch took place two years ago at Hsinchu's Hsiangshan, and they were testing new 1.9-meter rocket parachutes this time around.

The researchers will be using the results of the exercise to improve on their design, and hold another test launch at the end of next month.

They hope that a scheduled launch in April can achieve an altitude of 20 kilometers and aid domestic space and atmospheric science research.