The National Applied Research Laboratories (NARL) yesterday announced that the National Space Organization (NSPO) has developed the first satellite computer fully designed and manufactured in Taiwan, and it is due to be launched into space in 2015.
NARL director Chen Liang-gee (陳良基) said the satellite computer plays a role similar to that of a brain.
As the control center of a satellite’s operations, the computer is listed as a regulated space technology item for foreign export, Chen said, making it critical technology that is much sought-after by satellite manufacturers.
Photo: Tang Chia-ling, Taipei Times
The NSPO and the Chung Shan Institute of Science and Technology began designing the computer for FORMOSAT-5 in 2009, integrating the technological skills of 40 specialists, Chen said.
The team has completed the manufacturing and testing, and is scheduled to finish two sets of flying object development and testing by the end of next year.
The performance of the satellite computer has already reached internationally recognized levels for a sub-nano scale high-resolution remote sensing satellite, enough to meet Taiwan’s requirements for the next decade, he said.
Missions would include providing precise information to help with natural disaster prevention and assessment.
NSPO section head Shie Ming-hwang (徐銘煌) said the computer is equipped with a specially designed highly reliable circuit module that has a backup system and software modification features that can upgrade and expand its functions to increase the stability of the computer after it reaches the harsher environment of space.
The computer for the FORMOSAT-5 is designed to have a life expectancy of about five to seven years, and the reliability of the computer is expected to remain as high as 94 percent after five years, Shie said.
The FORMOSAT-5 is scheduled to go into full-scale testing next summer and the delicate satellite computer, which cost about NT$3.65 billion (US$125.3 million) to develop, is scheduled to be added to the FORMOSAT-5.
The satellite is scheduled to be launched into space from the US in 2015 and reach an orbit about 720km above the Earth.
Additional reporting by CNA
The Japan-Taiwan Exchange Association has cautioned Japanese travelers to be vigilant against pickpockets at several popular tourist spots in Taiwan, including Taipei’s night markets, the Yongkang Street area, Zhongshan MRT Station, and Jiufen (九份) in New Taipei City. The advisory, titled “Recent Development of Concerns,” was posted on the association’s Web site under its safety and emergency report section. It urges travelers to keep backpacks fully zipped and carried in front, with valuables placed at the bottom of the bag. Visitors are advised to be especially mindful of their belongings when taking photos or speaking on the phone, avoid storing wallets and
ENDORSING TAIWAN: Honduran presidential candidate Nasry Afura said that Honduras was ‘100 times better off’ when it was allied with Taipei The Ministry of Foreign Affairs yesterday said it would explore the possibility of restoring diplomatic relations with Honduras based on the principle of maintaining national interests and dignity. The ministry made the remarks in response to reporters’ questions regarding an article titled: “Will Taiwan Regain a Diplomatic Ally?” published in The Diplomat on Saturday. The article said Honduras’ presidential election in November could offer Taiwan the chance to regain an ally, as multiple candidates have promoted re-establishing diplomatic relations with Taiwan. Honduras severed diplomatic ties with Taiwan in March 2023 in favor of Beijing, but since switching its diplomatic recognition,
Scoot announced yesterday that starting in October, it would increase flights between Taipei and Japan’s Narita airport and Hokkaido, and between Singapore and Taipei. The low-cost airline, a subsidiary of Singapore Airlines, also said it would launch flights to Chiang Rai in Thailand, Okinawa and Tokyo’s Haneda airport between December and March next year. Flights between Singapore and Chiang Rai would begin on Jan. 1, with five flights per week operated by an Embraer E190-E2 aircraft, Scoot said. Flights between Singapore and Okinawa would begin on Dec. 15, with three flights per week operated by Airbus A320 aircraft, the airline said. Services between Singapore
A fourth public debate was held today about restarting the recently decommissioned Ma-anshan Nuclear Power Plant, ahead of a referendum on the controversial issue to be held in less than two weeks. A referendum on Aug. 23 is to ask voters if they agree that “the Ma-anshan Nuclear Power Plant should continue operations upon approval by the competent authority and confirmation that there are no safety concerns.” Anyone over 18 years of age can vote in the referendum. The vote comes just three months after its final reactor shut down, officially making Taiwan nuclear-free. Taiwan People’s Party Chairman Huang Kuo-chang (黃國昌) represented
RSS