TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — President Lai Ching-te (賴清德) on Monday presided over a ceremony marking a major milestone for FORMOSAT-8, Taiwan’s first domestically produced optical remote sensing satellite, ahead of its scheduled launch in the US this November, per CNA.
Speaking at the Taiwan Space Agency, Lai said 84% of the satellite’s key components were made in Taiwan, calling it a significant step toward a “Made in Taiwan” space industry supply chain. He said the achievement showcases the nation’s growing technological capabilities and positions Taiwan to enter the international space market.
Lai noted that FORMOSAT-8 is the successor to FORMOSAT-5, which has reached the end of its service life. The new satellite will be named in honor of the late filmmaker Chi Po-lin (齊柏林), whose acclaimed aerial photography captured the beauty and environmental challenges of Taiwan.
Reflecting on his earlier role as premier, Lai recalled approving the third phase of the National Space Technology Long-term Development Program, under which FORMOSAT-8 was developed. “After years of collaborative effort, I am thrilled to see the results of our commitment take shape.”
The president pledged Taiwan’s continued expansion into space, with more satellites planned to form a low-Earth orbit constellation that will enhance Earth observation capabilities. He said the data collected will play a vital role in land planning, agriculture, disaster response, and environmental protection, strengthening Taiwan’s resilience to climate change and geopolitical risks.
According to TASA, more than 20 local research and industry teams contributed to the design, manufacturing, and integration of FORMOSAT-8. Lai said this collaboration demonstrates Taiwan’s capacity for large-scale scientific research and advanced manufacturing.
He also underscored the strategic importance of developing indigenous space technology, citing economic and national security challenges. Lai said Taiwanese people have consistently been united and worked hard to overcome difficulties in reaching out to the world.
The FORMOSAT-8 project will eventually consist of eight optical telemetry satellites — six with raw one-meter resolution and two with ultra-high resolution below one meter. The satellites will be launched sequentially from 2025 to 2031, forming a constellation that offers frequent, high-resolution imaging of the Earth’s surface.
Compared to the two-meter resolution of FORMOSAT-5, the new system will deliver clearer images and faster revisit times, enabling global coverage and multiple daily observations.
