“I'll soon be leaving for the planet Mongo, in a rocket-ship of my own design.”
— Dr. Zarkoff, Flash Gordon, 1936
Yes, I’m really dating myself by referencing Flash Gordon (the original, that is); his voluptuous squeeze, Dale Arden; the enigmatic and brilliant Dr. Hans Zarkov, and the totally ruthless Ming the Merciless in conjunction with UHA Mitaktuo Co.’s candy-powered rocket launch.
But hey, just as I enjoyed watching those Flash Gordon serials as a kid, that same kind of feeling “flashed” back to me when I read the press release and saw the film clip about candy being used as rocket fuel.
But first, let’s provide you with some background. On March 7, the Candy Rocket Project Committee, organized by Japanese confectionery maker UHA Mikakuto Co. and aerospace experts, successfully launched a hybrid rocket using candies for fuel for the first time in the world. The group did this twice, attaining an altitude of 813 ft. the first time, the second attempt proving immeasurable (It may have reached the planet Mongo by now.)
According to UHA Mikakuto, hybrid rockets represent the next-generation of space transport rockets. Until March 7, however, using candies as solid fuel wasn’t considered. Well, after watching the video, you come across the notion that almost anything is possible with candy.
How great is that? But why candy? First let’s go back to the hybrid rocket. A hybrid’s engine system combines two types of propellants: solid fuel and liquid oxidant. Given its environmentally friendly pedigree, increased safety and excellent cost effectiveness and performance, it’s no wonder that the hybrid has gained attention as a next-generation space transport rocket.
Typically, resin, rubber and wax are used as solid fuel, but in this project, familiar soft candies were used as solid fuel. Soft candies? How can a rocket be launched with candies? Well, here’s the explanation.
First, liquefied gas acting as the oxidant is poured into the cylindrical combustor filled with candies. Then, the candies start burning as they melt, and shortly burst out in gasified form with great force. This power enables the rocket to be launched into the sky.
Approximately 20 pieces of Puccho candy were used for one hybrid rocket. As the developers emphasized, it was important to create an environment where the candies can sufficiently burn to launch the rocket high into the sky.
Experts involved in this project included Director Yutaka Wada of the Akita Space Development Institute at Akita University; Director Hiroaki Akiyama of the Institute for Education on Space at Wakayama University; and Professor Seiichi Sakamoto of the NAOJ Chile Observatory, all internationally renowned in space research and rocket development.
And just read some of their comments regarding the launch.
"We were relieved that the rocket was launched wonderfully. This project proved that candies can be used as a high energy fuel. If humans went to outer space and had to find energy from limited resources, candies that they brought for survival food could be used as emergency fuel when they ultimately have to escape. This research proved the capability of candies in such situation."
— Yutaka Wada, Director, Akita Space Development Institute, Akita University
"One of the purposes of having adults like us create a challenge with free thinking was to have not only elementary and junior high school students, but also high school and university students notice that 'you can think more freely in the world,' and have them challenge various things. At the same time, we want to have them understand that it is important to gain an understanding of the people around them and create a supportive environment since 'free thinking' could cause worries and troubles."
— Hiroaki Akiyama, Director, Institute for Education on Space, Wakayama University
"We were able to show another aspect of candies by showing how Puccho transforms from something enjoyable to eat to something that leads to children's dreams. From this project, we want to show support not only as a confectionery manufacturer, but also as someone who supports all challenges that expand dreams."
— Yasumasa Yamada, President and CEO, UHA Mikakuto Co.
So, you have to agree, “How cool is that?” is inspiring. I particularly like the idea of candy being used as food and fuel in space and also as being of an example of free thinking and dream expansion.
Thus, as we prepare for two confectionery-centric spring holidays, Passover and Easter, I like to think that UHA Mikakuto has demonstrated how uplifting confections can be.
