HAPITH I

Kestrel I

Mission Profile

HAPITH I (also known as Kestrel I) was a Thai single-stage experimental suborbital rocket developed by HAPITH (High Altitude Platform and Integrated Technologies for Humanity), representing Thailand's first serious foray into domestic rocket development. Measuring 6.8 meters in length with a 0.4-meter diameter, it was designed to demonstrate fundamental propulsion and vehicle technologies as a stepping stone toward more ambitious orbital launch capability. First launched in September 2021, it marked a milestone for Thailand's nascent space program and served as a proof-of-concept for the country's growing aerospace engineering community. HAPITH I laid important groundwork for future domestic launch vehicle development efforts within Southeast Asia's emerging space sector.