Radio Taiwan International
Date: 2017-08-24

Taiwan’s first indigenous satellite, Formosa 5, is scheduled to be sent into orbit on Friday morning, Taipei time.

The satellite will be launched from Vandenberg Air Force Base in California. The Ministry of Science and Technology (MOST) will help oversee the satellite’s launch from Taiwan. Premier Lin Chuan has hailed the event as a milestone for Taiwan’s aerospace industry.

Chang Guey-shin, the director of the National Space Organization (NSPO), said Thursday that the development of the Formosa 5 began in 2011. Most of the components, he said, were manufactured in Taiwan and its launch preparation has run into multiple technical hiccups. Chang said all staff members at the NSPO are to see the project coming to fruition.    [FULL  STORY]