FORMOSAT-1 is first low earth orbit scientific satellite developed by the Taiwan. FORMOSAT-1 was launched on January 27, 1999. For more than four years, it has been operating in its 600 kilometers mission orbit and successfully accomplished the planned missions.
The main scientific mission of FORMOSAT-1 is to make measurements and conduct experiments on the earth environment for scientific research and technology development. FORMOSAT-1 carried three instruments: Ocean Color Imager (OCI), Ionospheric Plasma and Electrodynamics Instrument (IPEI), and Experimental Communication Payload (ECP). In the past four years, the OCI continuously take images of the ocean color in order to provide the information on the chlorophyll level of the entire ocean around the world. This information has been used for environmental studies, for fishery industry applications, and for academic researches. The IPEI has collected the ion distribution data near the mid and low latitudes. Especially during the Coronal Mass Ejection (CME) event on July 14, 2000, the EIPI, for the first time in history, had detected an enormous low-density ion cloud. This detection has attracted attentions from the research agencies and academia worldwide. With the advantage and unique features of the high frequency, wide band, and secure communication offered by a low earth orbit Ka-frequency satellite communication system , the ECP conducted a series of satellite communication experiments and established the foundation of the Ka-band communication satellite development in Taiwan.
The mission accomplished under the FORMOSAT-1 program not only elevated the technology development in Taiwan to a higher level but also gained international recognitions. Through the promotion of Taiwan Satellite Program, the team for the space technology research has been established by integrating the government and the private sectors. The basic facilities and research laboratories constructed for the execution of the satellite project can be provided for the needs of for domestic or foreign space programs . Engineering teams and technical capacities established such as system engineering, subsystem design, integration and testing, and mission operation, have laid foundation for self-reliance development of space technologies in the future.
National Space Organization (NSPO) has actively participated in the system design, component manufacturing, system integration and testing, and launch campaign of the FORMOSAT-1. Through stringent quality assurance and reliability procedures, proper procedures for component-level inventory testing, satellite testing system quality control, abnormality tracking and reporting, and instrument calibration monitoring have been established. These procedures allow Taiwan to strengthen the reliability and quality assurance of high tech industry. Furthermore, during the execution of the FORMOSAT-1 program, schedule control and allocation of funding and human resources has been implemented using modern technology program management. As a result, FORMOSAT-1 is able to successfully complete its mission. Such experiences can be carried onto to accomplish future technology projects under constraints of resource limitation.
Establishing the space industry is one of the key elements in the development of Taiwan space technology. There are five components manufactured by companies in Taiwan on FORMOSAT-1. During this project, four manufacturers have been successfully promoted to have capabilities of manufacturing space qualified components. Through the research and development of space components, the NSPO is able to provide opportunities for more Taiwanese companies to participate in the international space market. The technology in production, assembly, testing, and quality assurance accumulated through the collaboration can provide significant positive impacts on the product quality, reliability, and the manufacturing processes for the manufacturing industry. In addition to satellite components, there are also 4 other companies involved in the system and software developments for the establishment of the ground systems.
Since the FORMOSAT-1 project began in 1994, as the results of close monitoring throughout the entire project processes, from design, manufacturing, assembly, integration testing, satellite launch, and mission operation, the satellite has exceeded its design life and still operating in orbit.. The achievements of FORMOSAT-1 not only have laid ground for Taiwan's space technology development but also have shown Taiwan's accomplishment in technology advancements that have won Taiwan the recognition from both the government agencies and academia internationally. The NSPO will continue to strive for excellence in the research and development of the space technology. We hope to reach another milestone in Taiwan's space technology during the second phase of the Long-Term National Space Program. |
