Malta witnessed a historic milestone with the successful launch of MERILL II, the first rocket ever launched from Maltese soil, by the University of Malta-based student organisation UM Rocketry.
Timothy Schembri, committee member of UM Rocketry, told The Malta Independent that the team initially tested the engine in Portugal, where it performed successfully. While time constraints prevented a full launch there, the team returned to Malta, modified and improved the rocket, and secured the necessary permissions for a sub-one kilometre parabolic flight.
The launch took place under closed airspace and in coordination with the military, ensuring the rocket landed safely in the sea. Schembri described the launch as going “incredibly well,” with the only minor issue being the parachute, which did not fully deploy due to the rocket’s speed.
According to a statement from UM Rocketry, MERILL II is powered by a KNSB solid rocket motor, producing an impulse of approximately 1600 Ns. The motor had been tested twice prior to launch — once at the EuRoC competition, where it performed nominally, and once locally in Malta on 11 December 2025.
The team described the launch as both stressful and rewarding, adding that seeing the rocket soar over the Maltese Islands was unforgettable. Every element of the mission was a first, from designing and building the launch rail, to constructing the rocket, testing the motor, setting up Mission Control, and executing the launch.
Although the parachute did not fully deploy, the rocket was recovered intact from the Baħar iċ-Ċagħaq jetty and returned to the event, where it was met with applause from supporters. UM Rocketry emphasised their pride in the achievement and said the team is already looking forward to improving and pushing further in future launches.