The University of Hawaii’s Space Flight Laboratory has awarded a contract to build, integrate and test a space satellite and rocket launching system.

The $500,000 contract was awarded to California-based National Technical Systems Inc., a provider of testing and engineering services.

The Hawaii Space Flight Laboratory (HSFL) contract calls for NTS to design, build and test a rocket and satellite launching system called the Super Strypi Launcher. HSFL is affiliated with the University of Hawaii at Manoa and its School of Ocean and Earth Science and Technology (SOEST) and College of Engineering.

The U.S. Air Force’s Operationally Responsive Space Office in New Mexico will serve as the project manager.

The fabrication of a rail system and structural steel boom will be constructed and initially tested in New Mexico before it is shipped to Kauai.