The FORMOSAT-3 is a low earth orbit constellation of 6 meteorological micro satellites. After launch from the same launch vehicle, these six micro satellites will be distributed on six different orbits at 700 Kilometer altitude. These micro satellites will be used to receive the signals transmitted by the 24 global positioning satellites (GPS) for the purpose of global weather forecast, weather change studies, and ionosphere monitoring. On average, FORMOSAT-3 is capable of monitoring as many as 2500 profiles of the atmosphere data each day with global distribution including sea and land. This information can increase the accuracy of weather forecast and renew the information of global atmospheres every three hours.
According the FORMOSAT-3 satellite system contract, the satellite engineering development unit (EDU) and the first micro satellite (FM1) will be designed, developed, manufactured, assembled and tested by engineers from both National Space Organization (NSPO) and Orbital Science Corporation (OSC) at OSC's manufacturing facilities. Starting from May 5, the components of other 5 micro satellites (FM2~FM6) and the ground support equipments will be delivered to the integration and testing facility at NSPO. These components will be assembled and tested by the NSPO FORMOSAT-3engineering team.

The FORMOSAT-3 is scheduled to be delivered to Taiwan in several sets. The first set of delivery, including technical documents, has arrived at Chiang Kai Shek International Airport last night (May 6, 2004). This delivery includes the components of the second (FM2) and third (FM3) micro satellites. These components are then transported by air cushion trucks to the NSPO's integration and testing facility in Hsinchu Science-based Industrial Park this morning (May 7). Upon receiving the components, the NSPO has immediately initiated the examination and inspection protocols. These components are expected to be assembled and tested in early June.

Currently, the EDU and FM1 of RFORMOSAT-3 have been assembled in the US and have completed thermal vacuum testing, vibration, and pyro-shock tests. The EDU and FM1 will be delivered to Taiwan shortly after the completion all othertests. It is expected that the entire hardware delivery will be completed by the end of June.