The first high-power hybrid rocket, developed by Philippine-based researchers, students, and mentors from St. Cecilia's College-Cebu, is set for launch between May 19 and 21 in Crow Valley, Capas, Tarlac, according to the Philippine Space Agency (PhilSA).

"Scientists and engineers from PhilSA will be joined by members of the TALA Rocketry Team in the schools tour and exhibit program to tell students the story of the TALA Hybrid Rocket – the first high-power hybrid rocket developed in the Philippines by homegrown space technology researchers, students, and their mentors from St. Cecilia’s College-Cebu," the statement from PhilSa read.

The TALA Hybrid Rocket, measuring 10 feet in height and weighing 15 kilograms, was created in 2018 using 3D-printed advanced composite materials under the Young Innovators Program of the DOST-PCIEERD.

PhilSA and the TALA team have been working together since early 2022, with the Philippine Air Force Research and Development Center's help, to refuel the rocket's launch, which was postponed indefinitely due to the pandemic after its supposed launch in March 2020 from Mati City Airport, Davao Oriental.

The TALA rocket's features include flight sensors, GPS, dual parachute deployment, and a payload system designed to carry a Can Satellite (CanSat) up to approximately 5 kilometers into the atmosphere.

The TALA team claims that launching CanSats using hybrid rockets is more effective than using drones since hybrid rockets can deploy to higher altitudes.

CanSats gather environmental data and are frequently used in educational settings.