KSA, JKUAT, and JICA Achieve Milestone in Nakuja 3.5 Rocket Field Tests
According to the news report released by KSA, the joint efforts with the Nakuja project team from Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT) and Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) has led to a significant milestone in field tests of the Nakuja 3.5 rocket. The Nakuja series of rockets is part of a research and development project to enhance rocketry capabilities for future satellite and payload launch applications.
During the field tests conducted at the Isiolo School of Infantry Range, the Nakuja 3.5 rocket reached its highest recorded apogee. It was safely recovered after the parachute was successfully deployed. This achievement underscores significant rocketry design and development advancements, emphasising its crucial role in bolstering national space capabilities. In May 2021, six JKUAT Mechatronic students presented the Nakuja-1 rocket launch for their external industrial attachment. They have been working on the project since January 2021, focusing on developing a solid motor-fueled rocket model.
In February, earlier in the year, the team led the third launch of the N-3 rocket, a feat that emphasised the team’s dedication to advancing rocket technology in the region, aligning with the initiative’s long-term objectives. The initiative will encourage a new wave of talent in space exploration by offering a platform for hands-on experience and applied theoretical understanding.