Project Merill kickstarted UM Rocketry’s journey to the stars, serving as the organisation's first steps when it comes to designing, testing, and launching rockets. Named after Malta’s national bird, the project’s main goal was to launch our first rocket, with our target date for the launch being EuRoC 2025.
The main philosophy of Project Merill is simplicity. Since this was our very first rocket being designed and built, we chose to implement technology which is technically simplistic, and easy to implement with regards to manufacturing and logistics.
The project was split into two missions, Merill I and Merill II. Merill I was initially meant to be a local launch, reaching an altitude of 1 km. The purpose of Merill I was to prepare the team for the challenges and mistakes when designing, manufacturing and launching a rocket, such that these same mistakes can be avoided for Merill II. The frame of Merill I was manufactured and displayed in May 2025. Unfortunately, due to time constraints, Merill I was put on hold in summer of 2025, as to give priority to Merill II.
The propulsion system of Project Merill consisted of two SRAD motors, both using KNSB propellant, named Prometheus I and Prometheus II, for Merill I and Merill II respectively. Our first static fire occurred less than a week before EuRoC 2025, resulting in a rapid unscheduled disassembly. Hopes were low entering EuRoC, however against all odds, with the assistance of the officials, another static fire took place. Learning from our mistakes from the previous static fire, this static fire was successful, verifying the design and manufacturing of Malta’s first rocket propulsion system, Prometheus II.
However, we didn’t manage to launch, and we had a whole rocket which still needed to be launched. Therefore, it was decided that at the end of 2025 we will do a local launch. However, due to clearance zone limitations, only a maximum of 1 km can be obtained. Therefore, the propulsion system that was designed for Merill I, Prometheus I, is to be integrated into the Merill II rocket.
As of currently we are concluding Project Merill, finishing manufacturing and testing, as well as preparing launch operations and logistics, to prepare our first ever rocket launch.
Merill I was the first rocket developed by the University of Malta’s rocketry team. It served as a foundational project that introduced the team to the full design and launch
The mission demonstrated the team’s ability to bring a complete rocket from concept to launch and marked an important milestone in establishing student-led rocketry in Malta.
Merill II builds on the experience gained from the first launch and represents the next step in the team’s technical development. Designed with improved aerodynamics, higher thrust capability, and a more advanced onboard.
This rocket reflects the team’s commitment to continuous improvement, innovation, and precision engineering, paving the way for future high-powered launches and research-based rocketry projects at the University of Malta.
UM Rocketry participated in the 2025 edition of the European Rocketry Challenge (EuRoC) for the very first time, competing in the S3 category.
While there was unfortunately no launch during the tournament, a successful static fire was conducted, validating Malta's first rocket propulsion system. The team also placed 8th out of 27 teams within the category of Team Effort.
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.
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.