On 7 March 2011, the NARL’s National Space Organization (NSPO) and National Cheng-Kung University (NCKU) in Tainan, Taiwan signed cooperation agreement aiming towards self-reliant development of satellite propulsion technology. This is the first time for the NARL-NSPO to establish a long-term cooperation agreement with the academic institution within the country, which is deemed to be the vibrant synergy of academic and NARL-NSPO on space technology development in Taiwan.

Both parties will pROVide matching funds to develop key satellite components. And under this agreement, the NCKU will be responsible for key components such as propulsion device and propellant tank. The first collaborative effort is to develop the hydrogen peroxide-based monopropellant propulsion system to be equipped in the NARL-NSPO’s forthcoming spacecraft. Hydrogen peroxide is being used because at high temperatures or passes over a catalyst, it decomposes into byproducts of oxygen, water, and heat to create an expanding gas producing a thrust that changes the spacecraft velocity. This hydrogen peroxide-based propellant will reduce the potential harm to the environment, and thus has been dubbed “green propulsion” in the space industry.