The first satellite of Taiwan’s domestically produced Formosat-8 constellation was successfully launched from California Nov. 29, according to the National Science and Technology Council.
The satellite, FS-8A, is one of eight high-resolution optical remote-sensing satellites in the Formosat-8 constellation, the NSTC said, adding that the constellation will be fully online in 2031. FS-8A is also called Chi Po-lin in honor of the director of the 2013 documentary “Beyond Beauty: Taiwan from Above.”
According to Taiwan Space Agency Director General Wu Jong-shinn, the satellite communicated with mission control at 10:42 a.m. for 12 minutes and reported that the operation of its onboard computer, power system and position control was nominal. Wu added that FS-8A’s optical payload will be launched within a week, its other onboard sensors will be verified within a month, and images will be taken after three months.
President Lai Ching-te said in a recorded video released ahead of the launch that FS-8A marks a milestone in Taiwan’s space industry. Formosat-8 aligns with the national development plan proposed during his inauguration speech, he said, adding that the satellite constellation will enable land use planning, agricultural monitoring, disaster response coordination and environmental protection to strengthen national security and help Taiwan deal with challenges.
Lai went on to say that Taiwan is also committed to building national rocket launch sites. The government will continue to work with academics and businesses to develop the space industry while reinforcing the country’s key role in global space supply chains, he added.
Premier Cho Jung-tai said in a Facebook post that the satellite demonstrates the success of the Executive Yuan-approved third phase of the national space science and technology development plan. (YCH-E)
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