Biggest ever rocket takes to the skies

News  by vientianetimes.org.la 

Biggest ever rocket takes to the skies

The biggest rocket ever known in Laos was launched at the Nonhinhae rocket festival in Vientiane province last Saturday, with thousands gathering to witness the spectacle.

Spectators crowd around to look at the massive rocket, which required a crane to place it on the launch pad.

The rocket, known as a bang fai teu, weighed 900kg and measured 5.5 metres in length. It was shot into the sky to ask for rains so that farmers will have a productive growing season.

Although rocket festivals occur countrywide at this time of year, Nonhinhae village in Feuang district was always going to attract large crowds for this record-breaking missile.

District Governor Mr Thephathay Keokhempheth said yesterday that people were worried the rocket would explode on the launch pad.

“Finally, it was fired at 7pm and was very impressive as it soared straight up into the sky, making everyone cheer,” he said.

A viewer from Hom village in Hadxaifong district, Mr Tang, said it was so exciting because it was the first time he had ever seen a rocket like this at a festival.

“I can't believe that 900kg made it into the sky. It was amazing to watch, much better than the other rockets.”

He also said it was strange to see it zooming into the heavens while pouring rain and lightning were visible in the distance.

Throughout the day, the village launched about 50 bang fai meun rockets (12kg each) and six bang fai saen rockets (120kg each), before firing one bang fai larn (400kg), and then the 900kg bang fai teu rocket.

Feuang district's Information, Culture and Tourism Office Head, Mr Khamlek, said this was the first time the village had staged a rocket festival.

“There were no accidents, no crime and no trouble during the event. The only issue bothering visitors was the traffic jam at the start of the day,” Mr Khamlek said.

This was also the first time district officials had shared advice with the village and partnered with them to organise the event.

“We will meet up with these officials again next year before the festival so we can plan for the best possible occasion. I believe it will be even better than this year,” Mr Thephathay said.

The rocket festival is an annual event which has taken place for generations in Laos. Traditionally, the festival is held in May or June and is a time when local people ask for rains to nourish their crops and bring much needed water for rainy season rice planting.

By Souknilundon Southivongnorath (Latest Update May 28, 2013)