Taiwan's entry into space exploration reached a historic milestone with the successful deployment of Triton, its first domestically developed meteorological satellite, in 2023. This achievement signifies Taiwan's technological prowess and paves the way for groundbreaking advancements in meteorological forecasting capabilities.
With Triton's impeccable performance in orbit, all eyes are now on Taiwan's ambitious plans for its next meteorological satellite and the nation's strides toward self-sufficiency in satellite manufacturing. The Taiwan Space Agency (TASA) and the Central Weather Administration have announced a collaborative effort to merge Triton's data with the Formosat-7's data, promising a synergy that will revolutionize meteorological insights.
Jong-Shinn Wu, Director of the National Space Organization, sheds light on Taiwan's trajectory in satellite innovation post-Triton. Wu underscores Taiwan's emergence as a formidable player in satellite technology, hinting at future satellite launches equipped with multifaceted capabilities. He emphasizes that Taiwan's satellites, boasting standardized modules, will not only capture high-resolution imagery but also facilitate seamless communication and navigation, revolutionizing space missions.
Taiwan's ambitious satellite roadmap includes the launch of Formosat-8, an optical remote-sensing satellite slated for 2025. Wu reveals plans for subsequent launches, which may feature satellites with diverse payload modules. Triton's remarkable 80% self-manufactured rate underscores Taiwan's prowess in satellite component production, with critical components developed indigenously, including On-Board Computer (OBC), Power Control Unit (PCU), GPS Receiver (GPSR), Fiber Optic Gyro (FOG), as well as propulsion systems.
Wu outlines Taiwan's strategic shift towards self-reliance in satellite manufacturing, highlighting the nation's transition from international procurement to domestic production for satellite components and systems. With Taiwan's burgeoning satellite technology sector poised for growth, Wu anticipates increased participation in international space ventures, bolstering Taiwan's standing in the global space community.
According to Wu, in practical terms, the exorbitant cost of manufacturing a single satellite remains a significant factor. Taiwan's satellite production methodology involves a primary system supplemented by a backup system.
While the backup system is domestically sourced in Taiwan, the primary components are predominantly procured from international vendors. To ensure seamless satellite mission execution upon launch, precedence is given to the primary components sourced from international suppliers initially.
As operational stability is achieved, the focus transitions to an alternative backup system comprising domestically manufactured components. With the gradual evolution of space technology, Taiwan may eventually diminish its reliance on international suppliers for satellite components.
As satellite technology gradually integrates into Taiwan's industrial landscape, Wu anticipates further cost reductions and technological advancements, propelling Taiwan's aerospace sector to new heights. Furthermore, progress continues on the selection of a national rocket launch site, with potential sites in eastern Taiwan identified for optimal operational efficiency.
