The name ROCSAT-2 originates from ROCSAT. FORMOSAT-2 is the name that the National SPace Organization chose as a result of a competition (involving selecting a name, drawings, articles and activities) seeking alternative names for ROCSAT-2 at the time of the satellite's launch. Following the conclusion of the competition, the organization decided to adopt FORMOSAT-2 as the alternative name for ROCSAT-2. To maintain consistency, the organization will also use the name of FORMOSAT-1 rather than ROCSAT-1.