The rocket team of the five-year college at Southern Taiwan University of Science and Technology (STUST), known as “Stellar Alliance,” stood out among more than 600 students from across Taiwan to earn a spot in the national finals of the first-ever Taiwan Cup Rocket Competition, hosted by the National Space Organization (NSPO). The team is scheduled to head to the Shuhai Village Sounding Rocket Launch Site in Pingtung this July, where they will personally launch the rocket they’ve spent months developing—undertaking the complete process from theoretical design to field testing.

【Vice President Cheng-Chien Wang of STUST led the rocket team to visit the Tainan City Government, where they were received by Mayor Huang WeiZhe. The team, having excelled among more than 600 competitors, will represent Tainan in the national finals, launching their independently developed rocket in Pingtung and showcasing the power of interdisciplinary education and technological application.】

This rocket development project, rather than just a competition, exemplifies STUST’s core spirit of cross-disciplinary learning. Students from the Department of Chemical Engineering and Materials Engineering are responsible for the rocket’s structure and materials, while those from the Department of Electrical Engineering handle avionics and flight verification. The mechanical design and fabrication are led by students from the Department of Mechanical Engineering. By combining their professional expertise, these students work collaboratively to highlight the university’s strong foundation in integrated applications and interdisciplinary teaching.

Throughout the rocket development process, the team has made steady progress under the dedicated guidance of three faculty members: Professor Yu-sheng Lin from the Department of Mechanical Engineering, Professor Yu-Jun Huang from the Department of Electrical Engineering, and Professor Li-Yun Su from the Department of Chemical and Materials Engineering. Upholding the core principle of “learning by doing, and creating through learning,” students continuously enhance their practical skills at each stage—from design and assembly to testing. This hands-on experience deepens their knowledge, strengthens teamwork, and fully demonstrates the practicality and competitiveness of STUST’s technical and vocational education.

【Professor Yu-Sheng Lin from the Department of Mechanical Engineering was making a report.】

【Professor Yu-Jun Huang from the Department of Electrical Engineering was making a report.】

【Professor Li-Yun Su from the Department of Chemical Engineering and Materials Engineering was making a report.】

Vice President Cheng-Chien Wang recently led the team to meet Tainan Mayor Wei-Zhe Huang, who expressed strong support and encouragement. Mayor Huang not only praised the team’s professionalism and teamwork but also emphasized the city’s ongoing efforts to develop Shalun Smart Green Energy Science City as a key domestic hub for aerospace R&D. He expressed hope that STUST and other institutions will continue contributing talent and innovation to help advance Taiwan’s aerospace industry.

【Vice President Cheng-Chien Wang presented a commemorative gift to Mayor Wei-Zhe Huang on behalf of STUST, symbolizing the strong partnership between industry, government, and academia, and a shared commitment to future regional development.】

As the national finals approach, the “Stellar Alliance” team is well-prepared and full of anticipation, aiming to make history for both Southern Taiwan and Taiwan as a whole through their practical achievements at the Pingtung launch site.

President Nen-Fu Huang remarked that STUST has long been dedicated to cross-disciplinary and practice-based education, encouraging students to embrace challenges and pursue innovation. The success of the “Stellar Alliance” team is a shining example of how STUST integrates professional knowledge, leads students from theory to application, and connects classroom learning with real-world impact. Moving forward, the university will continue to support student participation in various competitions, broaden international horizons, and let Taiwan’s technical and vocational talents shine on the global stage.