30/12/2025
👏👏👏
MALTAS FIRST SUCCESSFUL ROCKET LAUNCH 🚀
On the 29th December 2025, we proudly launched the first rocket for UM Rocketry and for Malta, marking a historic milestone for Maltese rocketry.
This achievement required immense time, dedication, and perseverance, and we are proud to have exceeded expectations.
MERILL II is powered by a KNSB solid rocket motor, producing an impulse of approximately 1600 Ns. The motor was tested locally in Malta on 11th December 2025 and performed nominally. A similar motor was tested at the EuRoC competition.
The launch itself was both stressful and incredibly rewarding. Watching such a sight over the Maltese Islands was unforgettable. Everything about this mission was a first for us from designing and building the launch rail, to constructing the rocket, testing the motor, setting up Mission Control, and executing the launch itself. We have never been prouder. Every late night, challenge, and disagreement ultimately paid off through teamwork and shared determination.
Although the parachute did not fully deploy, the rocket was successfully recovered in one piece from the Baħar iċ-Ċagħaq jetty and brought back to the event, where it was met with a round of applause from our supporters. We are already eager to improve and push further in future launches.
We would like to extend our sincere thanks to Xjenza Malta Space Unit for making this possible.
A special thank you also goes to the Armed Forces of Malta (AFM), Civil Protection Malta, Transport Malta, and St Nicholas Fireworks Factory for their support and belief in us.
Lastly, thank you to our incredible team, members, and everyone who came to support us during the launch and the event.
This achievement belongs to all of you. We look forward to continuing to make Malta proud 🇲🇹🚀
