Taiwan’s first domestically-produced meteorological satellite, known as Triton, has successfully passed its final pre-launch evaluation. In mid-June this year, Taiwan Space Agency (TASA) convened the pre-shipment review (PSR), verifying the satellite’s status, transportation plans and launch site readiness. Triton has been developed by TASA in collaboration with academia, research institutions and the space technology sector under the guidance of the National Science and Technology Council (NSTC). With formal approval granted, Triton is scheduled to be transported from TASA’s facility to Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport on July 14, where it will be flown to its launch site in French Guiana. In September, it will ride aboard Arianespace’s Vega rocket for its space debut.

PSR represents the final checkpoint before satellite launch. On June 16, TASA assembled a review committee consisting of 15 members from government agencies, universities and the research community for a two-day meeting. Dr. Lin Chen-tsung, project manager for the Triton satellite program, explained that the meeting’s objective was to ensure the completion of all pre-transportation tasks. These tasks included assembly integration and testing, instrument verification and environmental adaptability, as well as an inspection of satellite configuration, transportation planning, and launch site procedures. Furthermore, the committee reviewed the readiness of ground computer systems and data processing operations once Triton has entered orbit. After a thorough review, questioning, and clarification, the committee agreed that Triton was fully prepared, and TASA is now working on post-review arrangements based on rocket readiness at the launch site.

Dr. Wu Jong-shinn, TASA Director General, emphasized the significant achievement in the Triton satellite program, which was initiated in 2014. After over eight years of tireless efforts, the satellite has finally reached this pivotal milestone of its journey. Triton enjoys the distinction of being the very first meteorological satellite manufactured in Taiwan. In addition to collaborating with domestic academic institutions and research community to develop the mission payload, the Global Navigation Satellite System-Reflectometry (GNSS-R), to carry out scientific missions, the Triton program will also be responsible for validating the country’s capabilities to manufacture satellite key components, payload instruments and satellite systems, as well as subsystem design.

TASA noted that Triton, which will be orbiting at an altitude between 550 and 650 kilometers above the earth, will receive signals reflected off the sea surface from GNSS. This data, when processed, provides valuable wind field information over the ocean – a category of meteorological data currently in very short supply. When combined with high-resolution coastal wind field data from ground-based radars, this information can be used to track typhoon paths, forecast heavy rainfalls, and facilitate research on ocean-atmosphere interactions. Thus, Triton functions as a scientific satellite in addition to its primary role as a meteorological satellite.

As part of TASA’s plan, the range of Triton’s signal collection operation will initially focus on low-latitude areas in the Pacific, Atlantic and Indian Oceans. The latest satellite data updates will be provided to National Cheng Kung University and National Central University for scientific research, thereby enhancing data accuracy on a continuous basis. Mr. Cheng Chia-Ping, Deputy Director-General of the Central Weather Bureau (currently Administrator, Central Weather Administration), which served as one of the PSR committee members, said that Triton’s mission would fill a crucial gap by supplying data that represents the early stages of severe weather conditions over the ocean, marking a breakthrough in meteorological observation. Once Triton is fully operational, it will provide the Central Weather Administration with data that will serve as auxiliary information for the forecasting center, and quite possibly the data will be integrated into the agency’s numerical modeling systems.

TASA expressed sincere gratitude to the NSTC for its guidance, and to the Education and Culture Committee of the Legislative Yuan and the National Applied Research Laboratories for their valuable assistance throughout the program’s development. Special thanks are also extended to agencies such as the Hsinchu Science Park Bureau, Ministry of Transportation and Communications, Civil Aviation Administration, Central Weather Bureau, Freeway Bureau, Taoyuan International Airport Corporation, Taiwan Air Cargo Terminal Ltd., Aviation Police Bureau (National Police Agency), National Highway Police Bureau (National Police Agency), Second Special Police Corps (National Police Agency), and the Customs Administration (Ministry of Finance) for their assistance in the satellite’s transportation.

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