On the early morning of November 29th, Taiwan time, Taiwan’s first self-made optical remote sensing satellite system, the “Formosat-8,” launched successfully from the United States on a SpaceX rocket. The satellite, named “Chih-Pilin,” is a significant milestone for Taiwan’s entry into a new era of space exploration. President of the Republic of China, Lai Ching-te, emphasized that the Formosat-8 satellite system will lead Taiwan into a new era of space exploration.
The first satellite of Taiwan’s self-made optical remote sensing satellite system, Formosat-8, named “Chih-Pilin Satellite (FS-8A),” after experiencing five delays in the launch schedule, finally lifted off at 2:44 am on November 29th aboard the SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket Transporter-15.
Three minutes after liftoff, the fairing detached, and eight minutes later, the first stage of the rocket was successfully recovered. The rocket then released the shared satellites into a 510-kilometer orbit and further propelled to 561 kilometers. It is expected to release FS-8A into a sun-synchronous orbit at 5:04 am, preparing for its optical remote sensing mission of the Earth’s surface.
President Lai Ching-te expressed during a live program that the Formosat-8 satellite system will establish a comprehensive earth observation network to safeguard national security, enhance the well-being of the people, and extend the spirit of director Chih-Pilin’s vision into space, as Taiwan continues to oversee Taiwan and illuminate the world. Efforts in space technology and industry will propel Taiwan into a new era of space exploration. The government will continue to collaborate closely with industry, academia, and research to vigorously develop the space industry, making Taiwan an essential player in the international space industry chain.
Chairman Wu Cheng-wen of the National Science Council, during his visit to the National Space Organization’s Satellite Control Center in Hsinchu, observed the rocket launch and satellite communication. He noted that the Chih-Pilin satellite represents Taiwan’s utilization of technological prowess to venture into the space industry. The industry will accumulate valuable technical expertise and flight records, honing its practical capabilities in space industry operations. The future diversification and value-added services of satellite imagery will open up new business opportunities in Taiwan’s space industry.
Director Chyi Ting-huan of the “See Chih-Pilin Foundation” recorded a video, also monitoring the launch of the Chih-Pilin satellite. He stated that with the satellite’s launch, Chih-Pilin no longer merely represents an individual’s name but embodies the spirit of Taiwan, using the power of sight to create and transform, offering higher resolution imagery for Taiwan to see its homeland.
Director Wu Tsung-hsin of TASA expressed optimism as Taiwan’s first self-made remote sensing satellite system leads the way. He hopes that the Chih-Pilin satellite will smoothly carry out its mission in space. Once the satellite system is deployed, it will establish a high-resolution, daily imaging, globally comprehensive earth observation network. This network will be utilized in disaster preparedness, national land planning, and continual protection of Taiwan. He expressed gratitude for the collective efforts of Taiwan’s industry, government, academia, research sectors, and space center colleagues for taking a significant step forward in Taiwan’s space development.
Project leader Liu Hsiao-ching shared remarks before the launch, highlighting the challenges faced from early November until today, including conflicts in the launch schedule, the U.S. government shutdown, and slower-than-expected progress in rocket preparations, resulting in several adjustments to the launch date. Nevertheless, she remains confident that the first satellite of Formosat-8 will launch successfully.
The Transporter-15 rocket carrying the Chih-Pilin satellite began essential maneuvers after liftoff, with the fairing separation at 2:47 am and the first stage recovery at 2:52 am. Simultaneously, the second stage of the rocket entered a parking orbit coasted, and at 3:38 am, it began releasing five Taiwanese CubeSats into a 510-kilometer orbit. Later, at 4:29 am, the rocket ignited to reach a 561-kilometer orbit, with the Chih-Pilin satellite expected to enter its operational orbit approximately 140 minutes after launch (around 5:04 am Taiwan time).
TASA emphasized that the Chih-Pilin satellite has an 84% domestic component manufacturing rate, developed jointly by 33 domestic industry, government, academia, and research units. Beyond executing its mission in space, the satellite has allowed these components to gain practical experience, earning international recognition for the Taiwan space industry and enhancing its competitive advantage.
The Formosat-8 satellite system mission includes six original 1-meter resolution optical remote sensing satellites and two ultra-high-resolution optical remote sensing satellites with resolution smaller than 1 meter, developed sequentially and planned for yearly launches starting from this year. By 2031, once the full system is established, it will offer multiple daily revisits and global coverage satellite imagery.