Formosat-7, a group of six satellites jointly developed by Taiwan and the U.S., has reached its mission orbit, spotlighting government efforts to advance the space technology industry and enhance meteorological monitoring, the Ministry of Science and Technology said Feb. 9.
 
Operated by Taiwan’s National Space Organization (NSPO) and U.S.-based National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, the constellation has moved into its designated circular orbit at an altitude of 540-550 kilometers after being released by Space Exploration Technologies Corp. at 720 kilometers in June 2019. The satellites will now better cover areas up to 50 degrees north and south of the equator, filling a gap in tropical oceanic weather data.
 
According to the MOST, information gathered by Formosat-7 became publicly available March 7 on Taiwan Analysis Center for COSMIC’s website. Utilized by global organizations like the U.S.-headquartered University Corporation for Atmospheric Research and domestic institutions such as Central Weather Bureau, the data has already improved the accuracy of weather forecasting by up to 11 percent and increased the accuracy of typhoon formation and movement predictions, the ministry added.
 
The milestone will help advance goals of the six core strategic industries initiative, the MOST said, adding that the government will continue bolstering disaster preparedness at home and abroad by providing timely weather data.
 
The six core strategic industries were unveiled by President Tsai Ing-wen during her inauguration speech in May 2020 and comprise information and digital technology; cybersecurity; biotech and medical technology; national defense; green and renewable energy; and strategic stockpile industries.
 
Established in 1991, NSPO is administered by National Applied Research Laboratories under the MOST. It is committed to becoming an international center of innovation for astronomical research. (YCH-E)
 
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