SundSpace X Wau Rocketry
SundSpace Germany Visits Universiti Sains Malaysia: A Memorable Week of Exchange and Collaboration
The week-long visit of SundSpace, a renowned rocketry team from Hochschule Stralsund, Germany, to Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) was an inspiring showcase of cultural exchange, academic collaboration, and technical exploration. Hosted by WAU Rocketry, USM’s own rocketry team, the visit offered a blend of hands-on workshops, meaningful discussions, and cultural immersion. From Day 1 to the closing ceremony, this collaboration underscored the potential of international partnerships in shaping the future of aerospace engineering and rocketry.
Day 1: Arrival and Warm Welcome
The SundSpace team arrived at Penang Sentral, where WAU Rocketry members greeted them with enthusiasm. The long journey from Germany to Malaysia transitioned into an evening of rest and acclimatization as they settled into their accommodations.
Later, a welcoming dinner provided a relaxed setting for initial introductions. Over delicious local dishes, team members from both sides began to exchange stories and experiences, setting the tone for a fruitful collaboration in the days ahead.
Day 2: Welcoming Session and Penang Exploration
The second day began with a formal welcoming session at the School of Aerospace Engineering. Distinguished guests, including the Dean, Prof. Dr. Farzad Ismail, delivered speeches highlighting the importance of global academic ties. The session emphasized the shared aspirations of both teams in advancing the frontiers of space exploration.
Following this, the teams headed to USM’s Main Campus to meet with the Deputy Vice-Chancellor of Academic and International Affairs. This meetup underscored USM’s commitment to fostering international collaboration and innovation.
In the afternoon, SundSpace was taken on a tour of the Main Campus, followed by an excursion to George Town, the heart of Penang Island. The team explored the city’s rich heritage, enjoying its vibrant streets, historic landmarks, and multicultural charm, creating lasting memories of Penang's unique culture.
Day 3: Rocket Workshop Begins
The third day marked the commencement of technical activities. SundSpace and WAU Rocketry members dove into a workshop session dedicated to rocket design and construction. This hands-on experience allowed the teams to share insights and techniques, blending diverse approaches to problem-solving.
The session was not only educational but also an opportunity to strengthen bonds through collaboration. By the end of the day, participants gained a deeper understanding of rocketry design principles and built a strong sense of teamwork.
Day 4: Advanced Workshops and an Inspirational Talk
The fourth day continued the momentum with advanced workshop sessions focusing on propulsion systems and aerodynamics. Both teams engaged in brainstorming and technical discussions, further solidifying their collaborative efforts.
In the evening, the teams attended a talk titled "Hitchhiking Through the Solar System: How Space Travel Exploits the Laws of Mechanics" by Professor Jan from Hochschule Stralsund. The lecture provided an engaging exploration of space travel and its reliance on the laws of mechanics. The session left attendees inspired, sparking new ideas and aspirations for their future endeavors in aerospace.
Day 5: Presentations and Lab Visits
On the fifth day, the focus shifted to knowledge sharing and exploration. The day began with a presentation by WAU Rocketry, led by Danzo, who introduced WAU’s milestones and ongoing projects. This session facilitated meaningful discussions, further strengthening the intellectual exchange between the teams.
In the afternoon, participants explored rocket simulations in an Open Rocket session, gaining valuable insights into software applications in rocketry. In the evening, SundSpace had the opportunity to visit the labs at the School of Aerospace Engineering. They toured the Aerodynamics Lab, WAU Rocketry Workshop, Space Systems Lab, and Aero Mechanics Lab, witnessing the cutting-edge facilities and research capabilities of USM.
Day 6: Closing Ceremony and Farewell
The final day of the visit was both emotional and celebratory. The morning began with the closing ceremony, a heartfelt event filled with reflections on the achievements and memories of the past week. Tokens of appreciation were exchanged, symbolizing the mutual respect and gratitude shared between SundSpace and WAU Rocketry.