Taiwan’s Formosat-8 satellite, named “Chih-pa-lin,” was originally scheduled to launch into space from the United States aboard a SpaceX rocket in the early hours of today, November 27. However, according to the National Space Organization, SpaceX encountered some issues in the rocket preparation process, leading to the cancellation of today’s launch. The new launch date for the rocket is set for the early hours of November 29, while the satellite remains in good health.
The National Science Council of the Republic of China issued a press release today, stating that the National Space Organization (TASA) was set to launch the first self-produced optical remote sensing satellite constellation, Formosat-8, with its first satellite, the Chih-pa-lin satellite (FS-8A), originally scheduled to ascend aboard SpaceX’s Falcon 9 rocket Transporter 15 at 2:08 a.m. Taiwan time today.
However, during the live broadcast of the launch, the countdown remained paused at 15 minutes and 33 seconds. SpaceX later announced that, in order to ensure the safety of the rocket and the satellite, today’s launch was canceled. Nevertheless, both the rocket and the satellite are currently reported to be in good health and condition.
According to SpaceX’s social media posts and explanations in the live broadcast, during the launch preparation process, even minor issues could jeopardize the safety of the mission. The launch team requires more time to confirm everything, hence the cancellation of today’s launch. The new launch window for this mission is expected to be rescheduled to 2:18 a.m. Taiwan time on November 29.
TASA stated that the live broadcast of the launch from Taiwan will also be rescheduled for the early hours of November 29. The team will continue to monitor the progress and provide real-time updates on the developments. Meanwhile, the Formosat-8 integration and testing team at Vandenberg Space Force Base in California will remain on standby, closely monitoring the rocket preparation and the satellite’s health status.