Taiwan and Singapore’s ST-2 commercial satellite was successfully deployed into orbit May 21 Taipei time after its launch from the European Spaceport in Kourou, French Guiana.
The US$350 million satellite, a joint venture between Taiwan’s Chunghwa Telecom Co. and Singapore Telecommunications Ltd., will provide relay services for Internet protocol-based voice and data transmission satellite services to direct broadcast TV operators and maritime companies in Asia, India and the Middle East.
“The ST-2 will also help Taiwan’s TV service operators digitalize their broadcasting,” Chunghwa Telecom Vice President Len Tai-fen said. “It is scheduled to begin service following two months of in-orbit testing.”
Built by Japan’s Mitsubishi Electric Co., the 5,090-kilogram satellite boasts an operational life of 15 years and replaces its predecessor the ST-1. Launched in 1998, this satellite was the first time Chunghwa Telecom and SingTel cooperated on a commercial project.
According to Len, the ST-2 will help improve Taiwan’s disaster rescue and relief operations and enhance communications and broadband services in remote areas. “It can also function as a useful backup when communication services are interrupted by typhoons and earthquakes,” she said.
In addition to upgrading the country’s TV broadcasting, Len said the ST-2 is expected to spur private investment totaling several billion New Taiwan dollars in transmitting and receiving equipment and end-user devices. (JSM)
Write to Meg Chang at meg.chang@mail.gio.gov.tw