Taiwan aims to send its first rocket capable of carrying a 200kg satellite into orbit by 2034, National Science and Technology Council Minister Wu Cheng-wen (吳誠文) said yesterday.
Taiwan would obtain the technologies it requires through expanded international cooperation, Taiwan Space Agency Director-General Wu Jong-shinn (吳宗信) said.
Both officials were responding to questions at a meeting of the Legislative Yuan’s Education and Culture Committee, where lawmakers were considering council funding that has been frozen for 22 items.
Photo: George Tsorng, Taipei Times
Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) Legislator Wu Pei-yi (吳沛憶) expressed concern about a NT$40 billion (US$1.34 billion) budget increase for the third phase of the National Space Technology Long-term Development Program.
Wu said he was confident and hopeful that the Legislative Yuan would support the project.
The changes to the program’s third phase include plans necessary for domestically developing rocket technology, such as establishing a launch site and a research facility, Wu said in response to questions from Taiwan People’s Party Legislator Liu Shu-pin (劉書彬).
The third phase would also aim to build a supply chain to promote industrial development in space-related sectors, Wu added.
A domestically built rocket is expected to send a 200kg satellite into orbit by 2034, Wu said.
In response to DPP Legislator Lin I-chin’s (林宜瑾) questions about international cooperation, Wu said that Taiwan’s satellite manufacturing and design capabilities are gaining recognition, bringing more interest from international partners who want to cooperate with the country.
The third phase is also expected to foster an industrial supply chain that would promote the development of the space industry, he added.
The Ministry of the Interior (MOI) is to tighten rules for candidates running for public office, requiring them to declare that they do not hold a Chinese household registration or passport, and that they possess no other foreign citizenship. The requirement was set out in a draft amendment to the Enforcement Rules of the Public Officials Election and Recall Act (公職人員選舉罷免法 ) released by the ministry on Thursday. Under the proposal, candidates would need to make the declaration when submitting their registration forms, which would be published in the official election bulletin. The move follows the removal of several elected officials who were
The Republic of China (ROC) is celebrating its 114th Double Ten National Day today, featuring military parades and a variety of performances and speeches in front of the Presidential Office in Taipei. The Taiwan Taiko Association opened the celebrations with a 100-drummer performance, including young percussionists. As per tradition, an air force Mirage 2000 fighter jet flew over the Presidential Office as a part of the performance. The Honor Guards of the ROC and its marching band also heralded in a military parade. Students from Taichung's Shin Min High School then followed with a colorful performance using floral imagery to represent Taiwan's alternate name
FOUR DESIGNATED AREAS: Notices were issued for live-fire exercises in waters south and northwest of Penghu, northeast of Keelung and west of Kaohsiung, they said The military is planning three major annual exercises across the army, navy and air force this month, with the navy’s “Hai Chiang” (海強, “Sea Strong”) drills running from today through Thursday, the Ministry of National Defense said yesterday. The Hai Chiang exercise, which is to take place in waters surrounding Taiwan, would feature P-3C Orion maritime patrol aircraft and S-70C anti-submarine helicopters, the ministry said, adding that the drills aim to bolster the nation’s offshore defensive capabilities. China has intensified military and psychological pressure against Taiwan, repeatedly sending warplanes and vessels into areas near the nation’s air defense identification zone and across
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