Technology and Science

Taiwan Moving Forward With Advanced Satellite Network

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By TaiwanPlus

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Taiwan plans to launch its second domestically developed satellite, the Formosat-8B, in 2027 to expand its satellite network. The first satellite has successfully sent back high-resolution images of landmarks across the country from orbit.

Taiwan Satellite Program

REPORTER:  
Taiwan's first domestically developed Formosat-8 satellite is successfully sending back high-resolution images from orbit, and space officials are preparing for the next launch.

Wu Jong-shinn (DIRECTOR GENERAL, TAIWAN SPACE AGENCY):  
It took nearly a year, a year and a half  
to assemble the first satellite.  
We believe we can [speed up the process].  
We’re now confident in the first satellite  
and we know that its systems are working fine.  
In the future, we could even introduce more automation  
to accelerate [production].  

REPORTER:  
The second satellite, the Formosat-8B, is now scheduled for launch in 2027. By 2031, the country plans to deploy a total of eight satellites. Once fully deployed, a satellite could pass over the same location as often as once every three hours, allowing for more frequent data collection.